Lansdowne wait on players' fitness

Lansdowne will wait on the fitness of backs Brian O'Mahony, Karl Becker and Killian Kennedy and openside Liam Toland before settling on the side to face St Mary's College at Templeville Road.

UCD are already short of prop Michael Moynagh and number eight Des Dillon and may be without the Blaney brothers, David and Dermot, for their crucial encounter with fourth-placed Buccaneers at Belfield.

Sadly, Clontarf will have to make the treacherous trip to Galwegians without coach Phil Werahiko, who has returned to his native New Zealand to attend the funeral of his mother.

Kevin Nowlan will take charge of team affairs. Centre Conor Mahony and hooker Bernard Jackman should be fit.

While the Munster contingent test themselves at Welford Road, Shannon stalwarts like second row Brian Buckley, hooker Frankie Roche, out-half David Delaney and wing Niall McNamara are in line for starts at home to Dungannon.

UL/Bohemians will keep as close as possible to the side that upset St Mary's last Saturday against Garryowen at Dooradoyle. That means Ireland Under 21 three-quarters Barry Murphy and Keith Matthews and Munster Under 20 full back Cathal Garvey will start in a young backline.