Shaky start for AIL standard bearers has challengers eyeing away wins

The old order hasn’t seemed so endangered for years. Lansdowne, Clontarf and Cork Con – standard bearers and annual playoff contenders – have only one win between them so far this season. In this weekend’s third round of the Energia All-Ireland league, they host Old Belvedere, UCD and St Mary’s respectively, each with two opening wins to set the early pace.

Old Belvedere have backed up a strong summer of recruitment with eye-catching results in beating Young Munster and Ballynahinch, scoring 15 tries in the process.