With just four games to go in Division 1A, the title race between league leaders Clontarf and second place Terenure College is heating up with each fixture a must win. Just one point separates the top two, as both sides are on almost identical records with 11 wins and three losses from their 14 games.
Ballynahinch V Dublin University, Saturday 4th March, Ballymacarn Park, 2:30pm
The home side come into this weekend’s game off the back of a convincing 21-0 loss away to Young Munster and will be looking to bounce back against the students, who lie in sixth having picked up five wins from 14 games this season.
Dublin University were also on the losing side last weekend but will take confidence from a valiant display in their 38-21 reverse at home to top side Clontarf.
Ballynahinch are a place above their opponents having picked up eight wins this term.
Garryowen V Cork Constitution, Saturday 4th March, Dooradoyle, 2:30pm
Two teams that have had a contrast of fortunes this season meet as already relegated Garryowen host high flying Cork Constitution.
Bottom side Garryowen have picked up just one win this season in what has been a bleak campaign while Cork Constitution lie in third and are not out of the title race just yet, only seven points off first.
Cork Constitution will be desperate to get back to winning ways following their crushing narrow 34-29 loss at home to UCD, while Garryowen suffered a 26-16 defeat to Shannon.
Lansdowne V Young Munster, Saturday 4th March, Aviva Stadium Back Pitch, 2:30pm
Fourth place Young Munster travel to the capital to take on Lansdowne knowing Saturday’s game is a must win if they are to achieve a third place finish.
Young Munster have impressed the season with nine wins from 14, while eighth place Lansdowne have won just five but could climb to sixth with a win.
Last time out, Young Munster secured a 21-0 triumph over Ballynahinch at Tom Clifford Park while Lansdowne suffered a 43-24 loss to Terenure College.
Shannon V Clontarf, Saturday 4th March, Thomond Park, 2:30pm
League of Ireland giants Shannon have underwhelmed this season lying in ninth with just five wins and host the league leaders Clontarf who have won their last three.
In the reverse fixture, Clontarf ran out 29-7 victors over Shannon at Castle Avenue but Pat O’Connor’s side come into the game off the back of a 26-16 away win at Garryowen.
Last time out Clontarf beat Dublin University 38-21.
UCD V Terenure College, Saturday 4th March, UCD Bowl, 2:30pm
Title challengers Terenure College know every game is must win if they are to topple leaders Clontarf and Saturday’s game is no exception.
Seventh place UCD will be up for the challenge after beating Cork Constitution 34-29 last time out while Terenure College beat Lansdowne 43-24 in an emphatic bonus point win.
In the reverse fixture, Terenure College romped to a 58-5 thrashing but will expect more of a challenge this time around.
Ben Jaycock
I am a Sports Journalism & PR graduate from Staffordshire University. During my time at Final Whistle, I have covered the LOI National League, international games and the Women’s National League. Outside of Final Whistle, I am a researcher for World Rugby and a writer for The Rugby Paper.