Garryowen v Buccaneers, Dooradoyle

Given an extra day's respite - thanks to their own forward planning and Buccs' sportsmanship - Garryowen seem best equipped of the midweek quartet to carry the extra load.

They recovered well from last Saturday's collapse to Terenure (their only defeat in seven) and scored more tries since last Saturday than in the preceding seven games.

However, Dominic Crotty is a big doubt and as Buccs showed last week they are durable over 80 minutes. With Rob Lee ruled out though, Greg Austin moves to full back and coach Simon Allnutt makes what must be a rusty seasonal debut at outhalf after recovering from his cruciate knee ligament injury.

Last three seasons: Garryowen 22 Buccaneers 12, Buccaneers 16 Garryowen 10, didn't meet.

Five-game formguide: Garryowen - W D W L W. Buccs - L L W W W.

Leading try scorers: Garryowen - Steve Mackay 3. Buccs - Mattie Walker 4.

Leading points scorers: Garryowen - Jeremy Staunton 113. Buccs - Eamonn Molloy 50.

Referee: Paul Eakin (IRFU).

Betting: 2/7 Garryowen, 18/1 Draw, 5/2 Buccs. Handicap odds (Buccs +10pts) 10/11 Garryowen, 16/1 Draw, 10/11 Buccs.

Forecast: Garryowen to win.

DIVISION TWO

City of Derry v UCC, Judge's Road

The first of six games in 22 days, and the first of four home games in 11 days, this is a huge, near make-or-break day for Derry if they are to use their three games in hand to catch up with the likes of faltering UCC (14 points clear of them) and claw out of the relegation zone.

Last two seasons: UCC 11 City of Derry 17, City of Derry 10 UCC 15.

Five-game formguide: City of Derry - L L L W L. UCC - W L L L L.

Forecast: City of Derry to win.

UCD v Greystones, Belfield Bowl

Cruelly denied last season, UCD's fate is in their own hands. Victory today with a bonus point would push them alongside leaders Old Belvedere and leave them knowing that nine points from their final two games (away to UL Bohs and at home to Old Wesley) will guarantee promotion.

Last two seasons: Greystones 6 UCD 10, didn't meet.

Five-game formguide: UCD - W W W W W. Greystones - W L L L D.

Forecast: UCD to win.

Midleton v UL/Bohemians Towns Park

A few weeks ago it would have looked a cakewalk for UL Bohs, now with five wins out of their last six, but - perhaps feeling at war with the world a little - Midleton are seeking a sleeves-rolled-up three-timer at home.

Last two seasons: Midleton 17 UL/Bohs 10, didn't meet.

Five-game formguide: Midleton - L L L W W. UL Bohs - W W L W W.

Forecast: UL Bohs to win.

DIVISION THREE AND QUALIFYING ROUND ROBIN

Skerries will seek to keep up their hot pursuit of the inactive top two, Thomond and Barnhall, away to Waterpark. Ards and Corinthians battle for vital points at the other end of the table at home to Trinity and Instonians, while Banbridge and Bangor meet in an academic mid-table game.

With one automatic place and a second play-off place (against the 15th placed in Division Three) on offer there is plenty of incentive at the outset of the qualifying junior round robin. On a huge day for rugby in the west, Connemara and Clonakilty, names for holidaymakers to conjure with, go head to head in the Monastery Field in Clifden. The hosts will be making a fourth successive bid for AIL status, whereas the visitors were in Division Two of the Munster Junior League last season.

David Keogh dislocated his shoulder last week but ex-Connacht full back Henry O'Toole and 40-year-old prop Gerry King still give leadership to a young, rebuilt Connamara side and after being edged out by Naas on bonus points last year the All Blacks must have their best chance yet.

Navan host Lisburn and despite last week's disappointing Provincial Towns Cup final are favourites to begin their three-game campaign with a win.

ENGLAND A v FRANCE AEngland denied France the A team Grand Slam by clinging on for a narrow 2322 victory in the mud at Redruth. Ben Kay's side survived a rousing second-half comeback from the French as well as the sin-binning of Mark Cornwell.

The pressure was turned up for the last 10 minutes following Cornwell's exit. The 14 men conceded a third try, but Paul Volley came up with a key turnover in his own 22 to help them clear the way to safety.