ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE

Previews of seven games (all today with a 2.30 start)

Ballymena v Galwegians

Eaton Park

Galwegians lead on the table by a bonus try point with both teams sitting on one win each from the opening two games. But the long trip to Eaton Park has undone many a side and Ballymena will rightly see this one as a must-win game in front of home support.

Blackrock v Terenure

Stradbrook

Almost the perfect start for the Shane Byrne-led Blackrock. Who would have thought they'd beat Shannon at home and Garryowen away in their first two matches. Terenure have had a less auspicious beginning with nought from two. Advantage to the home team.

Buccaneers v UL Bohemians

Dubarry Park

Both sides have won a match from the opening two weekends but both lost their away matches last Saturday. The home advantage should give Buccaneers the edge but it's very close.

Clontarf v St Mary's

Castle Avenue

Clontarf are play-off veterans but St Mary's have left the starting blocks faster this year as their top of the table position shows. While Clontarf have won both openers, they have yet to get a bonus point. Match of the day with slight edge to the Castle Avenue side.

Cork Constitution v Young Munster

Temple Hill

Cork Con have also started well with two wins and will aim to keep their momentum going when Young Munster come to town. Back in the top flight after six seasons, this is a big game for the visitors, who have lost their first two games.

Dungannon v UCD

Stevenson Park

UCD have started slowly. Old Belvedere caught them in the first match and they lost by just two points (7-9) last week in Belfield against Cork Con. Dungannon are no better and have conceded more points in two defeats. Tight match but given home turf, Dungannon to edge it.

Old Belvedere v Dolphin

Anglesea Road

Old Belvedere has had a cracking start and after two wins are in third place to Dolphin's ninth place. They have beaten UCD at home and Young Munster away and the threat of Dolphin arriving in Anglesea Road should not undo them this week.

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times