Having recorded impressive high-scoring victories in their concluding league fixtures against Laois and Limerick, Galway hurlers are sure to face a much stiffer examination of their progress in this Sunday's NHL semi-final against Cork at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick (3.30pm).

Gerald McCarthy's side never had to reach top form in overcoming a misfiring Limerick in Sunday's quarter-final tie but considering they played only three group fixtures, the Rebels don't look to be suffering unduly from lack of preparation.

Cork reintroduced Diarmuid O'Sullivan and John Gardiner to last Sunday's line-up while other experienced campaigners like Ronan Curran, Jerry O'Sullivan Joe Deane and Neil Ronan remained on the sidelines.

In their absence, youngsters like Fintan O'Leary and Brian Corry have taken their opportunities and Cork will be keen to advance to a league decider to gain further match practice in advance of their Munster Championship opener against Tipperary.

Ger Loughnane has added five of the stars of Portumna's All-Ireland club victory to the Galway panel and faces an interesting selection dilemma ahead of Sunday's clash.

While the Clareman has picked a fairly settled side so far in the campaign, Joe Canning or Damien Hayes could come into the reckoning in the forward line.

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