Banbridge’s promotion credentials will be tested over the next two weeks as they face Terenure and Corinthians.
Dan Soper’s side are second in Division 2A two points ahead of Terenure with the Corinthians a further three points adrift.
“The Christmas break is notorious for sides taking a turn for the better or for the worse and we want to recapture our pre Christmas form,” said Soper.
“It’s tight at the top of the table but it will be sorted out in the next three games, we play Terenure and Corinthians then they play each other so one side will probably fall of the pace.”
“It’s a big challenge for us but if we can focus and play as well as we were we’ll be in a good place come April.”
“Terenure have a good out half and most of their game revolves around him, the weather will dictate the game but we’ll want to play rugby.”
Hooker Johnny Murphy has been returned following a call up by Ulster Ravens, whose British & Irish Cup tie against Bridgend was postponed.
Colin Bickerstaff with over 100 AIL games returns to the front row after injury.
Johnny Pollock was injured against City of Derry last week so Adam Doherty starts at out half.
There is an Ulster derby at Judges Road as Derry welcome Queen’s. The students are 10th, one place and two points behind Derry.
Ed Bowden and David Swann come into the front row with Tom Johnston and Johnny Heron in the second row.
Flanker Matt Clarke faces a fitness test while behind the pack out half Ritchie McMaster returns to face his old club.
In Division 2B Rainey have a five point lead at the top after winning all seven games but they face a tough test as third placed Boyne travel to Hatrick Park.
Paul Heaney is out with an AC joint problem so Simon Hawe comes into the back row.
Alan McCluggage is back at scrum half, Stuart Simpson reverts to the centre otherwise the Old Boys are at full strength.
Instonians travel to fourth placed Barnhall, in the front row former Belfast High School prop Ross Mungavin starts in the place of David McKeen who has a shoulder injury.
Ross O’Donell starts at scrum as Nico Andress is unavailable.
Armagh are only five points of second place but face a tough away day at Suttonians. James Morton and James McCall return to the starting line up.
There are pitch inspections due on Saturday morning at most venues across Ireland.
However, the game at Hamilton Park in Division 2B between Ards and Naas was postponed on Friday night.
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