Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated -

BLACKROCK COLLEGE (8th) v DOLPHIN (7th), Stradbrook

Preview: Considerably more at stake for relegation-threatened Blackrock College than Dolphin. Last weekend's results mean that Blackrock are now only a point ahead of bottom side Old Belvedere with a far inferior points difference.

They have been on a bad run lately which has seen the parting of company with player-coach Eric Miller. Last Saturday's effort against St. Mary's saw them concede four tries.

They have ben leaking far too many tries and are clearly going to have to pick up considerably if they are to turn things around.

On the face of it, Dolphin have precious little to play for. That should work in Blackrock's favour but generally the Cork outfit tend to be very competitive and any side with Barry Keeshan in it will always be dangerous.

IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Dolphin to win by 1-5 points

CLONTARF (1st) v GARRYOWEN (6th), Castle Avenue

Preview: After beating Young Munster away, Clontarf can take another major step towards the title ambitions with another victory against Limerick opposition.

Everything would seem to be in ther favour. But head coach Andy Wood will be mindful of the danger of becoming complacent.

Garryowen do not seemingly have a lot to play for and their surprise 23-22 home defeat to Old Belvedere suggests that their form is not great.

But a closer examination of that game shows that they outscored Old Belvedere by four tries to two with their dangerous centre Corey Hircock getting two of them.

So, they could, given the chance, provide Clontarf with problems. But it is hard to visualise Clontarf letting this chance slip, particularly with skipper Barry O'Mahony in such good form.

IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Clontarf to win by 6-10 points

CORK CONSTITUTION (4th) v ST. MARY'S COLLEGE (2nd), Temple Hill

Preview: A massive match in every sense for title challengers St. Mary's College. Away games do not come much tougher than a visit to Temple Hill.

Cork Con will be anxious to finish as high as possible and that could potentially see them challenge for third spot ahead of Young Munster. Their form since losing narrowly to Clontarf has been good with victories over Dolphin and Shannon.

They remain one of the best footballing sides around with Sean Scanlon proving a big danger at full-back. It will be interesting to see just who amongst their Munster contingent is available.

St. Mary's will be only too aware just how difficult this game is going to be. But they did beat Cork Con at Templeville Road in January when the power of their pack proved the difference.

IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Cork Constitution to win by 1-5 points

OLD BELVEDERE (10th) v SHANNON (8th), Anglesea Road

Preview: One of the big matches of the day. But this is because it is between two of the sides in the relegation zone.

Old Belvedere, having at last secured a victory by pipping Garryowen 23-22 last Saturday, are now just a point adrift of Blackrock College and six behind Shannon. So, another win here could give them a chance of survival following the most difficult of seasons.

Clearly, new coach Andy Dunne has made a difference. They will, no doubt, feel that if they are good enough to beat Garryowen away, then they must have a real chance on their home patch against Shannon.

For their part, Shannon will be looking to reproduce the sort of form which saw them defeat Lansdowne away on a visit to Dublin in early February. Since them, they have become dependent on Tadhg Bennett for inspiration.

IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Old Belvedere to win by 1-5 points

LANSDOWNE (5th) v YOUNG MUNSTER (3rd), Aviva Stadium back pitch, 4.30pm

Preview: Young Munster simply have to win here and hope that the two leading sides Clontarf and St. Mary's slip up over the last three games. While that is unlikely, you can never be sure what going to happen.

The one thing that you can be certain about is that Young Munster will never throw in the towel.

They played pretty well against Clontarf last Saturday without taking their chances. Hopefully, Willie Staunton will be in far better form with the boot this time around.

But winning on the back pitch at the Aviva Stadium is never easy. Furthermore, Lansdowne will not be lacking confidence after beating Dolphin away with a late try from full-back and skipper Ross McCarron.

IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Young Munster to win by 1-5 points