After a fantastic opening round of rugby, this weekend has some mouth-watering ties, old rivals do battle in North Dublin and Limerick. The historic colours game takes place for the first time this season and Lakelands will be hopping for Terenure’s home clash with Cork Con.
Clontarf Vs Lansdowne, Saturday October 8th, 2:30pm, Castle Avenue
It’s only right to start with the champions Clontarf who welcome a wounded Lansdowne to Castle Avenue. The visitors will be looking to bounce back after their shock 34-31 defeat at home to Ballynahinch last week. They were of course the last team to inflict a defeat on Clontarf in the league, coming all the way back to last November, 22-5 was the score that night. ‘Tarf going on a 16-league game winning streak since.
Andy Wood’s troops managed to just about pass the stern test of an impressive UCD outfit. It was far from their best performance, but, one thing that was evident was the power of their forward pack, especially the front five. Ivan Soroka, Dylan Donnellan and Cormac Daly all continuing from where they left off last season. Their dominant pack and solid set piece play has become a constant feature of their game and it’s something that they used to great effect to outmuscle Lansdowne last February when they beat them 23-14 on the Aviva Stadium back pitch, will we see the same outcome on Saturday?
Mark McHugh won’t want his team to suffer back-to-back defeats to start their league campaign, he’ll be looking for an immediate reaction from his men. If they want to win this game, they are going to have to match their opponents physically. A positive from the game was the performance of former Newbridge College youngster Donough Lawlor, who fits in to an already talented backrow with Jack O’Sullivan and former Ulster player and captain this season Clive Ross. They’ll all have to put in big performances if they want to continue that Castle Avenue winning streak.
Dublin University Vs University College Dublin, Saturday October 8th, 2:30pm, College Park
This game needs no introduction, steeped in tradition, the colours game rarely every disappoints and if last weeks’ performances are anything to go by, we are in for a real open and entertaining encounter between two teams with exciting backlines who love to throw it around.
Tony Smeeth’s youngsters put on an eye-catching display last week to start the season at the top of the table. Tries galore. A hattrick for Aran Egan and two from the returning fullback Colm Hogan were the highlights in a classy start to the season. Free flowing rugby is something that we’ve become used to seeing from this team. Once their tails are up, they can make even some of the best defences pay. They’re always value for money.
Despite only picking up a losing bonus point against Clontarf, there was plenty of positives for the students to take from their performance. Their backline play was a joy to watch, littered with former Ireland U20’s players they have lots of talent at their disposal. Tim Corkery, Ben Brownlee and Chris Cosgrave all looking sharp. Kevin Croke’s team could be potential dark horses, but player availability and consistency in performances will have a big part to play in how far they can go this season.
Terenure College Vs Cork Constitution, Saturday October 8th, 2:30pm, Lakelands
Terenure aren’t playing around, signalling their intent with a dominant 39-3 victory over league new boys Shannon last week. Sean Skehan’s side justifying the favourites tag that has been put on them by some people to win the competition. They welcome another unbeaten team in Cork Con, who edged Young Munster, thanks to a late Aidan Moynihan penalty
Lakelands has one of the best atmospheres in the entire AIL. It can be electrifying with a somewhat carnival vibe that adds to the excitement on the gamedays. Their opening round victory demonstrated how well rounded they are as a complete team. Forwards Harrison Brewer, Jordan Coghlan and Conall Boomer, who has been in exceptional form since that semi-final last season. They all played their part in a physically dominating performance. Nure’s backs were equally as good with Colm De Buitléar and Craig Adams both scoring. It’s hard to see any real weakness in their armour.
Cork Con have always been hard to beat at Temple Hill and they made their home advantage count defeating Young Munster 19-18 in the first round, however, they know this week is a completely different ask all together. A big result isn’t beyond them but, they’ll have to be at their very best if they are going to get anything from this game away from home.
Ballynahinch Vs Shannon, Saturday October 8th, 2:30pm, Ballymacarn Park
A massive amount of credit has to be given to Ballynahinch who shocked almost everybody last week with their 34-31 away victory over Lansdowne, very few people saw that coming, least of all myself. Shannon suffered a baptism of fire at the hand of Terenure, they’ll be hoping for improvements all round.
There were rumours that the Ulstermen were feeling confident heading into the new season after recruiting well in the summer and early signs suggest that confidence is more than just hearsay, securing the bonus point on their way to victory. There were standout performances for centres George Pringle and new signing Mark Best. Ireland Sevens international Fergus Jemphrey also running in an intercept try on his AIL debut. An ideal start was exactly what they needed and if they can build on that this weekend with another victory, their fortunes could be much more uplifting this season.
It was always going to be a tough ask for newly promoted Shannon to get any real result against an almost unbeatable Terenure. It will undoubtably take some time before they come fully accustomed to life back in the top league. To be fair, players such as young Luke Rigney, captain Ronan Coffey and talisman Lee Nicholas all pitting in a massive effort. Small improvements will definitely be the message in the dressing room ahead of this weekend.
Young Munster Vs Garryowen, Saturday October 8th, 5pm, Tom Clifford Park
It’s a Limerick derby on Saturday evening when Young Munster host Garryowen. Both squads will be looking to get their first win of the league campaign.
The Cookies are clear favourites heading into the clash of the neighbour. They were very unlucky not to get the four points last week, losing in the last minute. Ireland U20 Ronan O’Sullivan was their shining light in an impressive individual performance on his debut for the club.
Garryowen were on the receiving end of a big thumping. Early signs suggest they might really struggle this season. They’ll need an inspired effort to try and upset the applecart.
