The 2013 edition of the RSA Intermediate Cup sees six new teams when compared to last year's Inter Cup - making the eventual winners even harder to predict than usual.
One of those teams must be considered to be a favourite, and unlike the other five, they have moved down from the Middle 2 Cup. Merrion 6 have been given a slightly different position in the LCU's structure this year, after Merrion decided to withdraw their Division 8 team. As a result, a direct comparison between the Merrion 6ths of 2012 and 2013 is a little, difficult, but they will be one of the teams to beat.They travel to a Civil Service 3 side who have moved up from the Junior Cup.
Railway Union 4 may also be a good outside bet. Having been the losing finalists in last year's Junior Cup, they have moved up a competiton, and had a strong alround season last year. They will host a YMCA 4 side that are also amongst the favourites, having lost the Inter Cup semi-final last year to Pembroke 5.
Pembroke 5 face an intriguing match-up against Knockharley 2. Pembroke will be playing in Division 10 this year after a relegation, but lost to Leinster 6 in the Inter Cup final. Conversely, Knockharley 2 were promoted from Division 10 having lost in the semi-final of the Junior Cup. Expect this one to be close.
Defending champions Leinster 6 have the added incentive that the final is to be in their home ground in Rathmines. Very few teams defend their title though, and North County 4 will be trying to depose the champions in the first round match.
The one remaining semi-finalist from 2012 is Swords 1. The club plays out of the beautiful ground in Newbridge Demense, and will be looking to improve from its promising start to life in the league. They will be a good bet to do well in 2013 again, and will travel to the winners of the preliminary match between Rush 3 and Terenure 3.
The other three matches see Mullingar 2 of Division 9 host Phoenix 4 from Division 10, Sandyford 2 (Division 9) playing Laois 3 (Div 10) and finally an all Division 10 clash with Ring Commons 1 travelling to Malahide 5.