LANSDOWNE v GARRYOWEN Aviva Stadium (2.30)

Garryowen were one of only two teams to beat Lansdowne in the regular season and if they are to repeat the trick in today’s semifinal, they will have to draw on the confidence from February’s win on home soil.

They travel to the Aviva to take on a Lansdowne side who will be buoyed by winning the Bateman Cup last weekend.

Mike Ruddock has his sights very much set on completing the double and given their red-hot form this season, it will take a huge effort from Garryowen to upset the odds.

The Sky Blues’ cause is not helped by not having Bill Johnston available. The talented out-half is involved with Munster later this evening.

In Liam Coombes, however, the Limerick club have the league’s most prolific winger (11 tries). Mark O’Keeffe and Alan Bennie are not far behind on nine tries each.

Scott Deasy has had another outstanding season and his influence will be key, as will Neil Cronin, who will join Munster next season.

Ruddock, who hopes to have skipper Ian Prendiville (above) back from injury, said: “It’s a short turnaround to an immensely difficult game against Garryowen, who were one of only two teams we lost to in the league. So, feet on the ground, do our analysis and rack up for the semi-final.”

Ireland U-20 hooker Diarmuid Barron will be eager to finish the season on a high, particularly because he will have a big role to play at June’s Junior World Cup.

Lansdowne haven’t played in an AIL final since 2015 but they look well placed to end that run and be crowned champions.