Division One A

(Today, 2.30pm unless stated)

Blackrock v Garryowen, Stradbrook – Rocked by a late comeback by Belvedere with the match in the bag at Stradbrook, Blackrock have slipped down to eighth place. Fourth-placed Garryowen may like the look of this one, especially with the home side’s tendency not to play for the full game.

Dolphin v St Mary’s College, Musgrave Park – Home advantage could be telling for sixth-placed Dolphin, just a place behind their Dublin rivals. Destroying Shannon 53-0 last week with four tries from Darren Hudson, though, should help St Mary’s cause and they will travel with a win in mind.

Shannon v Cork Constitution, Coonagh – How can Shannon recover confidence from last week’s thrashing? A home venue is something positive but the might of the league leaders spells more trouble, although with Munster pilfering Cork Con players this match may not be all it seems.

Young Munster v Old Belvedere, Tom Clifford Park – Pick of the lot this weekend – both teams have the same win-loss record but with Old Belvedere in second place on the basis of bonus points. Tom Clifford Park will give the home side an edge in a tight match between two promoted sides with lofty ambitions.

Division One B

Bruff v UL Bohemians, Kilballyowen – Bruff are struggling at the bottom of the table with one win from three, while Bohs are shooting for the stars and in second place. It seems the Kilballyowen side may have to take more pain this week, although they did finally kick off their season last week with success against UCC.

Buccaneers v UCC, Dubarry Park – Beaten last week by Clontarf, Buccaneers dropped a place and will want to stop that downwards trajectory. UCC struggle in seventh place and may arrive in Dubarry Park thinking a losing bonus point is as much as they can hope for. The pack is the area where they may struggle.

Dungannon v Clontarf, Stevenson Park – Dungannon pipped Galwegians last week by a point in Crowley Park. It was a strong showing by the Ulster side but Clontarf’s unbeaten start and four-point lead is impressive. They should prevail, even after a formidable trek to Tyrone.

Lansdowne v Galwegians, Aviva Stadium – Both teams lost last week, Lansdowne down in Thomond. Another iconic stadium this week for the home team, who need to win to hold a lower mid-table position. A tight match with maybe a slight home edge if Lansdowne can find better consistency.

Division One A

PWDLFABPt

Cork Con33007551214

Old Belvedere32015541210

Y Munster3201545508

Garryowen3102686337

St Mary’s 3102713226

Dolphin3102597515

Shannon3102257815

Blackrock3102647604

Division One B

PWDLFABPt

Clontarf33008437113

UL Bohs3201554219

Buccaneers3201635908

Dungannon3102748137

Lansdowne3102865426

Galwegians3102507215

UCC31025910515

Bruff3102446504