We are two rounds in and there’s still four unbeaten teams left in AIL 1A, who will continue to impress and who will crack under pressure waits to be seen.
Lansdowne V Dublin University, Saturday Oct 15th, Aviva Stadium Back Pitch, 2:30pm
This is probably the game of the round. It’s arguably a must win game for Lansdowne who haven’t yet registered a win this league season, with only one point to their name. For Trinity, this is a big opportunity for them to make a statement of intent, three wins on the bounce heading into the week break would be a dream start for them.
There is no doubt that this is far from the start Lansdowne Head Coach Mark McHugh would have been hoping for. Losing isn’t a trend any team or coach wants to continue. They need to stop the rot. They’ll have to be on full alert to deal with the speed that the students play with if they’re going to get any sort of result.
Tony Smeeth’s youngsters alongside Terenure College have probably been the most exciting team to watch so far. They’ve scored an impressive 88 points in their opening two games. It seems as if they have the perfect balance to their gameplan now. Talented backs in Aran Egan, who is current top point scorer in the competition and fullback Colm Hogan to name a couple are always electric, but now they have an equally good forward pack which includes last seasons Leinster School’s Cup winner Paddy McCarthy.
It would be a dreadful start for the hosts if they head away from these blocks of fixtures with no victories, they have to perform, but, it’s a great opportunity for Trinity to show how serious they are about making the top four this season.
Ballynahinch V Clontarf, Saturday Oct 15th, Ballymacarn Park, 2:30pm
Ballynahinch fortunes seem to have turned around. They look like a completely different beast this season. Although, Saturday’s game at home to Clontarf will give us a better indication of how good they could potentially be.
Both teams are yet to slip up, so somebody’s 100% record has to go. In recent years, everyone probably wouldn’t hesitate in saying ‘Tarf to win’ but this season things are different and it’s not a forgone conclusion. At the same stage last season, the Ulster outfit only had one point to show for themselves with a -28 points difference, whereas this season, they sit with a full ten points and a +36 points difference. They’ll be raring to go come Saturday.
Tarf haven’t really put a foot wrong yet this season and it doesn’t look like they have many weaknesses. Dylan Donnellan has already scored three tries with his fellow rower Ben Griffin getting his first try last week. They’ll be without captain Matt D’Arcy for a few weeks. They introduced Noah Sheridan to the team last week, he’s a player to watch with dazzling feet and a bright future ahead of him. There’s still more to come from Andy Wood’s team who haven’t even hit top gear yet.
It could be the result that surprises us come Saturday evening, but it’s hard to bet against this Tarf team.
University College Dublin V Young Munster, Saturday Oct 15th, Belfield Bowl, 2:30pm
UCD will be looking for victory when they welcome the Cookies to South Dublin on Saturday afternoon.
Despite failing to win their opening two games, there has been plenty of positives for the students to take from them, looking a good bit improved from last season. Leinster academy back row Sean O’Brien is in fine form scoring two tries so far. Wingers Chris Cosgrave and Dylan O’Grady are also inform looking dangerous anytime the ball gets to them.
The Limerick club head to the Bowl in the hope of becoming the first Munster’s side to beat a Dublin team this season. Evan Cusack kicked a late penalty to win them the game in the Limerick derby last week. They’ve taken points from both of their games and they’ll be hoping to come away with at least four more points on Saturday.
The way the students are playing, their first can’t be that far away and I think they’ll get it at the weekend.
Garryowen V Terenure College, Saturday Oct 15th Dooradoyle, 2:30pm
Last Saturday, there was a genuine sense of disbelief around Lakelands, the scoreboard showed a 47-0 halftime lead to Terenure College against Cork Con. They play a breath-taking brand of rugby which is truly a joy to watch. There are no chinks in their armour.
Centres Colm De Buitléar and Peter Sylvester provide the perfect shape to their attack. Another impressive aspect of their game is the soft hands of their forwards especially ex pro Jordan Coughlan, Levi Vaughan and Harrison Brewer, their lovely passing helps unlock those little pockets of space for their backline players. There the complete package.
Munster Academy out half Tony Butler almost got Garryowen the win last week, where he had a 23-point contribution. They’ll need another big performance from him and for ‘Nure to have an off day if they’re going to get any sort of result in that one.
Shannon V Cork Con, Saturday Oct 15th, Thomond Park, 2pm
It’s another provincial derby when Shannon and Cork Con do battle at the home of Munster Rugby this weekend.
Both of the teams suffered big defeats last week, steadying the ship will be the aim for the respective coaching tickets. Backrows Kelvin Brown and Lee Nicholas have put in positive performances for Shannon despite the disappointing start, similarly Inside Greg Higgins played well for Con last week.
Who will get the much need confidence boost.
