Club scene: AIL focus

GAME OF THE DAY Clontarf v Garryowen (Castle Avenue, 2.30)

IT’S second versus third this afternoon as both Clontarf and Garryowen put their unbeaten starts to the season on the line.

’Tarf have shown signs of fulfilling their pre-season potential as they look to win back the title they last won in 2016.

Garryowen, on the other hand, have been outside of the winning enclosure since 2007 but their bright start will certainly have the Dooradoyle natives believing that they can challenge this season.

The Light Blues upset the champions Lansdowne last weekend, and they face another tough task in Dublin this afternoon.

Former Munster and Ulster scrum-half Angus Lloyd is a shrewd acquisition and he scored a try in ’Tarf’s impressive win over Terenure last time out.

Lloyd’s half-back partnership with David Joyce will be crucial to Andy Wood’s game-plan this season.

Liam Cronin, younger brother of Sean (Leinster) and Neil (Munster), got over for a vital try for Garryowen against Lansdowne and his progress will be interesting to follow.

If the Limerick side are to realistically challenge for the title, winning in tough places like Castle Avenue is imperative.

With ’Tarf looking back to their best, however, that task looks like a tough one for Garryowen today.