Harlequins, having been held to a draw by Catholic Institute at the start of the Munster Premier League campaign, may be a trifle anxious that Institute might steal the province's second berth in the all-Ireland play-offs.
Cork C of I, therefore, will be prepared at Garryduff tomorrow for a full press by Harlequins as the visitors look for at least a point to give them a cushion should they have difficulty in their return match against Institute in Limerick later in the season.
Even if Ali Dunne and Ivan Bateman won't be testing each other, both C of I and Harlequins remain among the best equipped sides in the country, so tomorrow's clash, along with the Annadale-Lisnagarvey game in Ulster, takes top billing.
In Leinster, the opening round of the Cable & Wireless-sponsored Mills Cup will be of limited appeal. In the only all first-division pairing, Corinthians are away to Aer Lingus and will be hoping to repeat a 2-1 league win gained at Whitechurch. David Bane and Trevor Parsons may not be at their freshest for Aer Lingus after their midweek efforts for DCU.
Similarly, while the Three Rock Rovers v Trinity tie has a touch of class, the graduates may be able to capitalise on the students' exertions in the Mauritius Cup. Kilkenny also visit Grange Road to tackle Avoca at noon.
