All-Ireland league previews

Previews of the All-Ireland league

DIVISION ONE A

Dolphin v Garryowen

Musgrave Park, 2.30

Dolphin’s performance last week against Blackrock, despite the absence of James Coughlan, was an indication they are poised to move out of the relegation zone and into play-off contention.

Verdict: Home win.

Old Belvedere v Blackrock Anglesea Road, 4.15

Hard to see past a home win as Belvedere seek to atone for defeat at Cork Constitution to ensure their impressive return to the top flight gets back on track. Kick-off time should guarantee a bumper crowd.

Verdict: Home win.

Shannon v St Mary’s

Coonagh, 2.30

Interesting match for two reasons: the continued rehabilitation of Marcus Horan, he should play at least 40 minutes at loosehead, and Shannon’s desire to atone for the 53-0 whipping St Mary’s inflicted earlier in the campaign.

Verdict: Home win.

Young Munster v Cork Constitution

Tom Clifford Park, 2.30

The rest of Division One A could do with The Cookies maintaining their good form but with Gerry Hurley impressing for Cork Con at scrumhalf and from placed ball it is hard to see past the defending champions.

Verdict: Away win.

DIVISION ONE B

Buccaneers v Clontarf

Dubarry Park, 2.30

Game of the day between the form sides in Division One B. Buccaneers’ only defeat so far this season was away to Clontarf, who can potentially go 10 points clear today.

Clontarf coach Bernard Jackman’s week can end as it started, with another victory, having assisted St Michael’s College to the quarter-finals of the Leinster Schools’ Cup at Belvedere’s expense last Sunday.

Verdict: Away win.

Bruff v UCC

Kilballyowen Park, 2.30

High stakes as the winner will keep pressure on third-placed Lansdowne and their chances of promotion alive.

Form indicates an away scalp, considering the students beat Lansdowne last weekend while Bruff lost 35-8 to Buccaneers.

Verdict: Away win.

Dungannon v Galwegians

Stevenson Park, 2.30

Genuine opportunity for the Connacht men as Dungannon are without top points scorer Paddy Jackson (70), and leading try scorer Craig Gilroy (4), due to Irish Under-20s action in Italy last night. Victory is essential if Galwegians are to move off the bottom.

Verdict: Away win.

Lansdowne v UL Bohemians

Aviva Stadium (back pitch), 2.30

Despite only three wins from eight games, Lansdowne’s four bonus points leave them seven points adrift of second-placed Buccaneers.

Their collection of former professionals, like outhalf Eoghan Hickey, should offset the loss of Irish Under-20s flanker Jordi Murphy and prop Martin Moore.

Verdict: Home win.