All-Ireland League Previews

Division One

Cork Constitution v Garryowen

A repeat of last year's AIB League final, a match which attracted a sizeable crowd to Temple Hill. Con were victorious that day but having lost the opening match of this campaign need to establish a benchmark for the year ahead. It would be tempting providence to try and conjure a recovery from a poor start, a feat they achieved last season.

This match throws up an intriguing clash at half-back where Cork Constitution pair Brian O'Meara and Ronan O'Gara face the equally promising Tom Tierney and Jeremy Staunton. Con enjoy an edge, quality wise, in the three-quarter line but their Limerick visitors, with the in-form David Wallace, may shade the forward battle despite the absence of Keith Wood. Should be close, will be entertaining.

Verdict: Garryowen.

Shannon v Young Munster

Not a fixture that Shannon would have chosen following their opening day reverse against Lansdowne. The fractured nature of their preparations, compounded by the number of players they provide to the Munster squad, makes Rhys Ellison's position unenviable. The outcome will be determined by character as much as physical prowess as the New Zealander tries to refocus minds.

Munsters will be keen to earn the bragging rights in Limerick and despite the absence of Peter Clohessy have enjoyed less outside commitments and in full back Tommy Cregan possess a match winner with the boot. Shannon boast superior ability, the question mark centres on their aptitude to push themselves.

Verdict: Shannon.

St Mary's College v Buccaneers

Eddie O'Sullivan's departure hasn't left the Buccaneers lamenting if their victory over Con is any indicator. Brian Rigney's new coaching role has ensured a strong sideline presence. Scrum-half Steve McIvor is enjoying a new lease of life behind a very powerful pack that relish a spot of crash-test dummy rugby: this belies a skill and cohesion that few club eights can match.

St Mary's had to rely on a kicking aberration from David Humphreys to squeak home against Dungannon and cannot expect similar largesse. A huge test for the home pack and if they can supply a decent platform then in Denis Hickie, John McWeeney and Peter McKenna, Mary's possess the quickest back three in the country. But Victor Costello and Emmet Byrne both picked a bad game to miss from a Mary's perspective. Could be the upset of the day.

Verdict: Buccaneers.

Clontarf v Dungannon

A very important game for both teams, after defeats in the first round of matches. Clontarf's weakness in the front row should not be too exposed by the visiting eight but it is an area that visiting coach Willie Anderson will target. The visitors welcome back Jonathan Bell who plays at full back. David Humphreys has recovered from flu and takes his place at out-half.

Clontarf have proved obdurate at home but there is a greater sense of mobility and potency to the Dungannon XV. The home side will need to produce a huge performance up front and then rely on the place-kicking of out-half Richie Murphy.

Verdict: Dungannon.

Terenure College v Ballymena

The Ulster side are without Ireland captain Dion ain O' Cuinneagain who is spending the holiday season in Capetown and there is also a doubt surrounding the availability of provincial scrum-half Mark Edwards. Coach Andre Bester must decide who will play at open-side with Chris McCarey and Derek Topping vying for the position. Ballymena were fortunate to win their opening game against DLSP, full back Simon Mason rescuing them.

Terenure were soundly thrashed by Garryowen first time out, but are expected to be able to call on Eric Miller and captain Rory Sheriff. Girvan Dempsey returns at full back after missing Leinster's victory over Stade Francais. Crucial match for both teams even at this juncture and one in which Terenure just appear to enjoy a slight edge.

Verdict: Terenure College.

DLSP v Lansdowne

The Kilternan club make just one change from the team that was unlucky to lose in Ballymena: Damien McCabe comes in on the right wing. Lansdowne, buoyed by a superb victory over Shannon, appear even stronger, bolstered by the returning Gordon D'Arcy at full back - his clash with New Zealander Shane Stephens should be interesting - and Leinster captain Liam Toland on the open-side flank.

The obvious quality of the Lansdowne team makes them very difficult to oppose. They have strong players in key positions and even though Kilternan has never been the most welcoming venue for visiting teams, Lansdowne should prevail.

Verdict: Lansdowne

Division Two

Malone v Blackrock College

Blackrock have managed just one game at this stage of the season because of the number of Leinsters players in the team, albeit a winning campaign opening. Their travel north should catapult them to a place amongst the front runners.

Old Crescent v Galwegians

The Limerick club find themselves in second place, six points adrift of pace-setters City of Derry but with this match in hand. Their opponents resemble a mini-Connacht side but despite that quality may come up short at a Rosbrien venue at which Old Crescent are noticeably difficult to beat.

Wanderers v Belfast Harlequins

The visitors have a single victory in their only outing to date and travel to Lansdowne Road to face a Wanderers team that has not enjoyed the best of starts to their campaign. The Belfast club, despite their inactivity, should have too much quality for the home team.