DIVISION ONE - TODAY

Garryowen v Galwegians, Dooradoyle (Live on Network 2)

With neither of these sides particularly fluid try scorers (though Garryowen have improved recently and Galwegians have rediscovered their potency) this mightn't flow like honey for the TV cameras, though it could be the most competitive game of the day.

Buoyed by Jeremy Staunton's mature return to outhalf in midweek, Garryowen will leave him there even if Killian Keane (twisted knee) is passed fit, though he's their biggest doubt ahead of David Wallace (who should start) and Dominic Crotty. Galwegians, by contrast, are not expected to include fit again Tim Allnutt in an unchanged side for the third game running.

Garryowen, in a transitional year, have done well to play themselves into contention after just one defeat in eight games and they are traditionally strong finishers. But they face a tough run-in, whereas Galwegians (with a score to settle from Staunton's celebrated debut in this fixture two seasons ago) have done most of the work and superior strength up front may edge them to within touching distance of the play-offs.

Last three seasons: Didn't meet, Garryowen 46 Galwegians 0, didn't meet.

Five-game formguide: Garryowen - D W L W W; Galwegians - L W L L W.

Leading try scorers: Garryowen - Steve Mackay 3; Galwegians - Gavin Duffy 7, Willie Ruane 5.

Leading points scorers: Garryowen - Jeremy Staunton 123; Galwegians - Eric Elwood 125.

Odds (all courtesy of Paddy Powers): 10/11 Garryowen, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Galwegians.

Forecast: Galwegians to win.

Ballymena v Young Munster, Eaton Park

Another eight-pointer with the playoffs in mind, Young Munster have nudged themselves back into the top four and within four points of their hosts today. Save for a late check on prop Mick Fitzgerald, both sides are at full strength. Midfield will be a crunch area where the potent BothaStewart mix will face a good test in the Doyle-Mullins axis. Munsters could do a number on Ballymena up front but nonetheless their long trek and the more proven potency of the home backs points to a Ballymena win.

Last three seasons: Ballymena 13 Young Munster 21; Young Munster 36 Ballymena 0; Ballymena 28 Young Munster 19.

Five-game formguide: Ballymena - L W W W L; Young Munster - L L W W W.

Leading try scorers: Ballymena - Shane Stewart 6, Scott Young, Russell Nelson 5 each; Young Munster - Paul O'Connell 4.

Leading points scorers: Ballymena - Neil Doak 74; Young Munster - Mike Lynch 81.

Odds: 4/9 Ballymena, 16/1 draw, 15/8 Young Munster. Handicap odds (YM +6pts): 10/11 Ballymena, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Young Munster.

Forecast: Ballymena to win.

Belfast Harlequins v Shannon, Pirrie Park

Although Harlequins are boosted by the return of Clem Boyd and Chris McCarey up front, it mightn't be enough to stem the stronger looking Shannon pack which will have John Hayes and Mick Galwey on from the start. Peter Stringer, though, is ruled out. Depending on their mental state, with no more distractions Shannon could have a real cut at the play-offs and the forthcoming three away games should make or break their challenge. The cutting edge of John Lacey, rejuvenated and on fire now, and their backs should keep them on target.

Last three seasons: didn't meet.

Five-game formguide: Harlequins - L L W L W; Shannon - W L L L W.

Leading try scorers: Harlequins - Robin Morrow 5; Shannon - John Lacey 9, Mossie Lawlor 5.

Leading points scorers: Harlequins - Paul Hancock 65; Shannon - Andrew Thompson 98.

Odds: 15/8 Harlequins, 16/1 draw, 4/9 Shannon.

Forecast: Shannon to win.

Buccaneers v Blackrock College Moher Road

Buccaneers will be feeling sore about the way their unbeaten run under Simon Allnutt ended in midweek and will also be mindful that one more win in their Ballinasloe swansong for the season would ensure survival. Blackrock's midweek bonus point away to Constitution was a creditable effort but this is a big task, and the narrower confines of Moher Road on an inhospitable Saturday against the Buccaneers juggernaut is possibly not the best place to be without the likes of Shane Byrne, Gary Halpin and Leo Cullen, not to mention Brian O'Driscoll.

Last three seasons: didn't meet, Blackrock 10 Buccaneers 14, didn't meet.

Five-game formguide: Buccaneers - W W W W L;. Blackrock - L W L W L.

Leading try scorers: Buccaneers - Matty Walker 4; Blackrock - Alan McGowan 3.

Leading points scorers: Buccaneers - Eamonn Molloy 50; Blackrock - McGowan 158.

Odds: 4/11 Buccaneers, 18/1 draw, 15/8 Blackrock. Handicap odds (Blackrock +7pts) 10/11 Buccaneers, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Blackrock.

Forecast: Buccaneers to win.

Old Crescent v Dungannon, Rosbrien

For much of the season Willie Anderson had forewarned that his talented outfit would give some team a real hiding, and sure enough Terenure became the whipping boys last week. But their atrocious away form makes the seemingly impossible distinctly possible today, especially as you sense Old Crescent have at least one more win in them. Even so, whereas Crescent have lost six on the spin, Dungannon have clearly hit a rhythm and with 20 tries in their last four outings (including six apiece for Jan Cunningham and Ryan Constable) noone is scoring more freely. Whereas Dungannon expect to be unchanged, Crescent will be close to the team that finished last week with Rhys Ellison another midfield option.

Last three seasons: Old Crescent 16 Dungannon 3, Old Crescent 22 Dungannon 28; didn't meet. Five-game formguide: Old Crescent - L L L L L; Dungannon - W W W L W.

Leading try scorers: Old Crescent - Wayne Munn 4; Dungannon - Jan Cunningham 7, Ryan Constable 6.

Leading points scorers: Old Crescent - Billy Treacy 84; Dungannon - David Humphreys 122.

Odds: 13/8 Old Crescent, 16/1 draw, 4/9 Dungannon. Handicap odds (Old Crescent +5pts): 10/11 Old Crescent, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Dungannon.

Forecast: Dungannon to win.

Terenure College v DLSP, Lakelands Park

Injuries to most of their front-line players (although David Coleman and James Blaney return to a stronger, reshuffled side today) hit Terenure hard last week. Even so their collapse was spectacular even by their standards. Such is their inconsistency that no doubt they'll be smarting all week and DLSP may suffer. DLSP have been playing some good stuff, their backs opening up opposing teams but not finishing off enough of their approach work. With a bit more composure they could yet get the win which would kickstart their season but it's virtually now or never.

Last three seasons: didn't meet, didn't meet, DLSP 10 Terenure 11.

Five-game formguide: Terenure - W W W L L; DLSP - W L L L L.

Leading try scorers: Terenure - David Coleman 5, Mark O'Kelly 4; DLSP - Mihai Vioreanu 5, Eddie Devitt 4.

Leading points scorers: Terenure - Shane Cullen 66; DLSP - Damien McCabe - 44.

Odds: 1/9 Terenure, 16/1 draw, 5/1 DLSP. Handicap odds (DLSP + 14pts) 10/11 Terenure, 16/1 draw, 10/11 DLSP.

Forecast: Terenure to win.

DIVISION ONE - SUNDAY

Clontarf v Cork Constitution, Castle Avenue (2.0)

Clontarf, for whom Richie Murphy and Adrian Clarke return while Alan Reddan and Bobby Baggott are ruled out, appear to have become a little laissez-faire too prematurely and may now be anxiously looking over their shoulders after conceding four tries or more in five of their last six games. With John Kelly already ruled out, Constitution wait on Ultan O'Callaghan, Jerry Murray, Ronan O'Donovan and Frankie Sheahan (again very doubtful with a dead leg from the Lille match) but Ronan O'Gara will definitely play and they should have enough firepower to remain top of the table.

Last three seasons: Clontarf 3 Constitution 11; Clontarf 16 Constitution 17; Constitution 55 Clontarf 20.

Five-game formguide: Clontarf - L W L L L; Constitution - W L L W W.

Leading try scorers: Clontarf - Bobby Baggott 4; Constitution - Craig Taylor 6, Anthony Horgan, Brian Walsh 4 each.

Leading points scorers: Clontarf - Richie Murphy 94; Brian O'Meara 80.

Odds: 15/8 Clontarf, 16/1 draw, 4/11 Constitution. Handicap odds (Clontarf + 7pts): 10/11 Clontarf, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Cork Con.

Forecast: Constitution to win.

DIVISION TWO - SATURDAY

UCD v Old Wesley, Belfield Bowl

In truth, after last season's unlucky near miss, the scenario could hardly be set up any more promisingly for UCD. With confidence high after a run of eight wins in a row, they entertain a long since doomed Old Wesley. A win will ensure promotion, a hell of an achievement given it bucks the trend of colleges in the AIL, and were it to come with a bonus point, that would earn UCD the Division Two title ahead of Carlow on points difference, and the ensuing £12,000 prize money.

Last two seasons: didn't meet.

Five-game formguide: UCD - W W W W W; Old Wesley - L L L L L.

Forecast: UCD to win.

Dolphin v Portadown, Musgrave Park

Dolphin have stayed interested (one defeat in eight) where others such as Portadown (five losses in a row) have switched off, the net result being that the Ulstermen could go down if they lost here and Greystones win, though they have the additional buffer of Greystones having to play Belvedere.

Last two seasons: Portadown 18 Dolphin 7, Dolphin 35 Portadown 21.

Five-game formguide: Dolphin - W W W L W; Portadown - L L L L L.

Forecast: Portadown to win.

Old Belvedere v Greystones, Anglesea Road

This will probably be the most poignant ground in the league come 4.00 or thereabouts given Belvedere look like just missing out on promotion while Greystones look doomed to relegation. Having led for so long, Belvedere must still be kicking themselves for losing last time out to UCC while the fixtures have given Greystones three concluding games against promotion chasers.

Last two seasons: Greystones 11 Old Belvedere 18, Old Belvedere 39 Greystones 9.

Five-game formguide: Old Belvedere - W W W W L; Greystones - L L D L L.

Forecast: Old Belvedere to win.

Ballynahinch v City of Derry, Ballymacarn Park

Only a mathematical freak could put Ballynahinch down while City of Derry's midweek win has completed their escape act before this now meaningless final game.

Last two seasons: Ballynahinch 6 City of Derry 27.

Five-game formguide: Ballynahinch - L L W D D; City of Derry - W W W L W.

Forecast: Ballynahinch to win.

Bective Rangers v UCC, Donnybrook

UCC's win over Belvedere stands out as the biggest eyesore of the Division Two run-in but is unlikely to be emulated today by a Bective side still mathematically capable of promotion but on a run of angry form since the slipup away to Sunday's Well. Three bonus point wins have followed.

Last two seasons: Bective 19 UCC 19, UCC 23 Bective 22.

Five-game formguide: Bective - W L W W W; UCC - L L L L W.

Forecast: Bective to win.

DIVISION THREE

Thomond can secure the divisional title by beating Skerries at home although they'll be mindful that failure to pick up a bonus point could see them knocked off the top perch on points difference were Barnhall to obtain five points away to Banbridge. At the other end of the table, Highfield (at home to Richmond) begin the day in bottom place and below Ards (away to Monkstown) on points difference with the last placed club automatically relegated while second from last will earn a play-off against the junior runners-up, Connemara.