Queen’s University can take another significant step towards breaking free from the wrong end of the Division 1B table when they clash with Highfield on Saturday at the Dub.
The students, who are seventh and five points ahead of their one from bottom visitors, put on a big score when the sides last met prior to Christmas and though Queen’s were on the wrong end of last weekend’s 51-38 result at high flying Old Wesley, they did come away with a valuable bonus point.
Ulster squad member and back three player Rory Telfer is available along with centre Wilhelm de Klerk and Ireland U20s call-up Daniel Green is at out-half.
“It is a massive game for us,” said Queen’s assistant coach DJ Creighton.
“I was really pleased with the performance when we went down there but we certainly won’t underestimate the challenge as they are an incredibly abrasive side.
“We’ll have to be at our very best to get a win.”
In the top flight, Ballynahinch, who have slipped to fifth, travel to Clontarf off the back of last weekend’s drawn encounter with Terenure College while down in eighth, City of Armagh whose game last week with Clontarf was postponed, are at Lansdowne though they are due to meet each other on Sunday at the Aviva Stadium back pitch.
Armagh are expected to have James McCormick at hooker as well as prop Cameron Doak available from Ulster.
Instonians also had their game called off last week in what was a weather-hit fixture list and Paul Pritchard’s now second-placed side face Cashel at Shaws Bridge.
Ian, David and Robert Whitten all start for Instonians.
Leaders Galway Corinthians are at Banbridge, who are sixth, while down in ninth Ballymena journey to Greystones.
In 2B there is an Ulster derby between the sides in seventh and eighth respectively as Rainey and Malone come together at Hatrick Park while, up in second, Dungannon, who narrowly won at Gibson Park last week, are at nearest challengers UL Bohemians.
In fifth, Clogher Valley are on the road at fourth-placed Skerries.
Promotion chasing Belfast Harlequins host Tullamore in 2C, while Ballyclare go to Monkstown and bottom side Omagh have a must-win at home to Bruff.
Fixtures, Division 1A: Clontarf v Ballynahinch, Lansdowne v City of Armagh, (Sunday game).
Division 1B: Queen’s University v Highfield.
Division 2A: Galway Corinthians v Banbridge, Greystones v Ballymena, Instonians v Cashel.
Division 2B: Dungannon v UL Bohemian, Rainey v Malone, Skerries v Clogher Valley.
Division 2C: Belfast Harlequins v Tullamore, Monkstown v Ballyclare, Omagh v Bruff.