We are heading into the last two weekends of AIL action for 2022. There are still some huge games left to play. It’s a top of the table clash when Terenure College welcome Trinity to Lakelands Park on Saturday afternoon. 3rd play 4th when Cork Con host Clontarf and Young Munster hope to continue their winning ways when they face Pat O’Connor’s Shannon in the Limerick derby.
Terenure College V Dublin University, Sat December 3rd, Lakelands Park, 2:30pm
Trinity are the next in line to take on the daunting task of heading to Lakelands Park to face a team who look unstoppable in Terenure.
Sean Skehan’s men have taken all the points available this season, sitting nicely at the top of the top of the 1A table on 35 points. They have been flawless all season and their genuinely doesn’t look to be any weaknesses in their team, with nobody even getting close to beating them so far.
A late Conor Phillips try denied Trinity the victory last weekend. Tony Smeeth will be eager for his youngsters to bounce back. There would be no better way to do it by becoming the first team to defeat Nure in the league. The students definitely have the tools to create the upset.
One thing is for sure, both of these teams have electrifying backlines. It should be a very open game of rugby, with plenty of tries scored.
Cork Constitution vs Clontarf, Sat December 3rd, Temple Hill, 2:30pm
This is another big top 4 clash that is happening this weekend.
Cork Con haven’t lost a game since round two against Terenure. They are on a 5-game winning streak. They have a very strong pack that has helped them get some key scores in the last few weeks, especially at the set piece. But, they’ve got two massive tests coming up in the next two rounds. It starts with Clontarf on Saturday and then a trip to College Park the next week.
Tarf are currently in a scenario that they have rarely found themselves in, coming off the back of two consecutive defeats, making this week’s game really important for them. Their captain and talisman Matt D’Arcy has stepped up for them in the big moments this season, can he inspire their performance in Cork?
Young Munster V Shannon, Sat December 3rd, Thomond Park Back Pitch, 5pm
It’s another Limerick derby on Saturday and it is coming at a great time for both sides after good performances in the last round.
Gearoid Prendergast’s side are starting to hit the right notes. Hooker Dan Walsh is in brilliant form. A third consecutive win this weekend would keep the Cookies knocking on the door of the top 4.
Shannon didn’t have the easiest of starts to life back in 1A, but the last few results suggest that things are looking up. Like their opponents, they have a strong pack and a well drilled set piece which is central to their game plan. There will be a fascinating tussle at scrum and lineout time.
UCD V Lansdowne, Sat December 3rd, Belfield, 2:30pm
This is an important game for both clubs as they sit in the bottom half of the league table. Lansdowne will be confident they can get back-to-back victories for the first time this season.
It was talked about last week, this block of fixtures is a real opportunity for Mark McHugh’s men to get three wins from three games and put some distance between themselves and the rest of the teams in the bottom half.
UCD will need a big performance at home in the bowl if they are going to get any sort of result. A win would be huge.
Garryowen V Ballynahinch, Sat December 3rd, Dooradoyle, 2:30pm
Garryowen are bottom of the table without a win to their name. Can they do anything in these last 2 games.
Ballynahinch will fancy their chances in bouncing back from that defeat to Cork Con with a win this weekend.
