Division One (2.30) Saturday Clontarf v DLSP Castle Avenue

Clontarf are better than last Saturday's poor performance against Blackrock suggests, while Lansdowne just pipped DLSP by a point. The Kilternan side struggled last year and lost more than they gained over the summer, including coach Kenny Werahiko. There maybe a little bit of grudge here too.

Last three seasons: 2000-01 - DLSP 35, Clontarf 34; 1999-00 - Clontarf 29, DLSP 22; 1998-99 - didn't meet

Formguide: Clontarf - L. DLSP - L

Leading try scorers: Clontarf - R O'Reily 1, P Lynn 1. DLSP - M Viorneau 2

Leading points scorers: Clontarf - J Dempsey 11. DLSP - J Critchley 10

Referee: J Sheehan

Forecast: Clontarf

Cork Constitution v UCD Temple Hill

Last year's finalists have become used to playing without their stars, while UCD will, despite their first win over Shannon, take time to find their feet in the division. It is Con's first match, while UCD's Eoghan Hickey has already demonstrated his kicking ability and the team have shown a never-say-die attitude. Difficult to see the students travelling and bringing home the points.

Last three seasons: Never met.

Formguide: Cork Con - first match. UCD - W

Leading try scorers: UCD - P Bredin 1, N Coughlan 1, G Hayes 1

Leading points scorers: UCD - E Hickey 16

Referee: A McDowell

Forecast: Cork Constitution

Dungannon v Carlow Stevenson Park

Carlow, like UCD, upset the books with a first-match win over Young Munster. Captain and back row power-house Andy Melville injured his ribs in his man-of-the-match performance. His fitness is crucial. But Dungannon's ability to straddle the season last year without their elite was impressive. The tag of reigning champions and home advantage appear to favour the Ulster side, but given that they lost three of their first five games last season and won 11 of the remaining 12, does it matter?

Last three seasons: Never met.

Formguide: Dungannon - first match.

Carlow - W

Leading try scorers: Carlow - M Spiller 1, A Melville - 1

Leading points scorers: Carlow - B Murphy 6

Referee: S Buggy

Forecast: Dungannon

Galwegians v Terenure College Crowley Park

Both sides, having lost last week in their opener, need this win to halt early rot. Galwegians, effectively working with two squads because of their Connacht commitments, were semi-finalists last year, while Terenure finished in 10th. Both sides have recruited heavily, with Terenure still looking a little more experienced. A difficult assignment, but the Dublin side should prosper.

Last three seasons: 2000-01 - Terenure 24, Galwegians 52; 1999-00 - didn't meet; 1998-99 - Terenure 26, Galwegians 15

Formguide: Galwegians - L. Terenure - L

Leading try scorers: Galwegians - none. Terenure - C Hall 1, R Governey 1

Leading points scorers: Galwegians - B Shelbourne 9, Terenure - R Governey 14

Referee: D Napier

Forecast: Terenure

Shannon v Ballymena Thomond Park

Shannon lost their match against UCD in the last seven minutes after second row Brian Buckley, one of the best players on the pitch, was sent off. They won't do that again, although without John Lacey, Melvyn McNamara may again push into full back. Ballymena won't like this difficult fixture, but will have their Ulster bench players, while Shannon will miss their Munster contingent. A good chance for Ballymena, but expect a Shannon reaction to the UCD mess.

Last three seasons: 2000-01 - Ballymena 44, Shannon 27; 1999-00 - Shannon 31, Ballymena 5; 1998-99 - Ballymena 23, Shannon 3

Formguide: Shannon - L Ballymena - first match

Leading try scorers: Shannon - J O'Connor 1, D Quinlan 1

Leading points scorers: Shannon: A Thompson - 16

Referee: A Lewis

Forecast: Shannon

St Mary's College v Buccaneers Templeville Road

The Dublin side must wait to see who they have available after last night's Leinster v Newcastle match. It will be this way every European Cup weekend. Buccaneers await the fitness of Mike Devine, but are otherwise injury free. Still, St Mary's look the stronger team even, without Barry Lynn behind the scrum, and, having beaten Terenure last week at Lakelands for the first time in years, look good again.

Last three seasons: 2000-01 - Buccaneers 18, St Mary's 23; 1999-00 - St Mary's 27, Buccaneers 18; 1998-99 - Buccaneers 11, St Mary's 10

Formguide: St Mary's W Buccaneers W

Leading try scorers: St Mary's - J Norton 1, J McWeeney 1, C McPhillips 1. Buccaneers - O Brennan 1, O Devine 1

Leading points scorers: St Mary's - B Lynn 15. Buccaneers - C Glynn 7

Referee: S McDowell

Forecast: St Mary's

Sunday

Young Munster v Garryowen Clifford Park

Probably the match of the weekend. Both clubs will be looking for their under-age policy to see them through. Garryowen struggled last year, while Munsters made it to the semi-finals. As always, a year is a long time in club rugby, but Young Munster will need to move on from last weekend's under-par showing. Last three seasons: 2000-01 - Garryowen 0, Young Munster 42; 1999-00 - Garryowen 35, Young Munster 16; 1998-99 - Young Munster 13, Garryowen 19

Formguide: Young Munster - L. Garryowen first match

Leading try scorers: P O'Connell 1

Leading points scorers: M Lynch 6

Referee: O Trevor.

Forecast: Young Munster