With the all-Ireland champions Glenanne and cup winners Pembroke each supplying five leading figures, Leinster look resourceful enough to regain the interprovincial title at Blaris over the weekend. The defence may need time to settle, but captain Nigel Henderson is bound to be an inspiration in goal and, with ample midfield options orchestrated by Devin Donnelly, the channels should open up for Gordon Elliott and Justin Sherriff to strike readily, especially with two points for a score draw.

The trophy holders, Munster, without the Hanna brothers and Alastair Dunne, are unlikely to have sufficient vigour to complete a treble, though the Blacks, the Lombards and now the Hobbs brothers, along with Nigel Buttimer, Robbie Ryan and Karl Burns, are sure to be as competitive as ever.

Ulster have opted for rejuvenation. Gone are such stalwarts as Alan Dowd and Julian Stevenson, leaving Errol Lutton as the senior player. Assertive performances can be expected from Paddy Brown, Chris Jackson, Mark Raphael and the Tumilties, Lee and Mark, and they may well put Leinster under considerable pressure. Stamina is going to be a factor in the new format, the Shamrocks having been abandoned and the tournament trimmed to two intensive days of hockey.

There are mixed feelings, however, about the tournament again coming so early in the season (though the club scene is pretty hectic in the spring), while there may be too much of an endurance element in the new set-up.

Aidan Kidney, the Leinster coach, feels that at least it is a step forward, but he would like to see the interprovincials become "more meaningful" - as has happened in rugby circles - especially in building up the national squad. He puts forward the idea of staging a three-series championship, with each province acting as hosts over a weekend at the end of a season of reduced league competitions.