Galway full forwards have the firepower

All-Ireland MHC Final: This year's All-Ireland minor hurling final is a rerun of last year's but the tide is slightly tipped in Galway's favour this time.

For starters, trainer Mattie Murphy has been priming them for a big performance against Kilkenny since the semi-final after the defending champions' manager, Br Damien Brennan, allegedly criticised his team last year.

Bad blood is one thing but Galway, despite losing the excellent Niall Healy, look a more physically imposing outfit this year, while Kilkenny are a couple of shades off the side that ensured the minor part of last year's clean sweep.

James "Cha" Fitzpatrick and Richie Power have graduated to the senior panel but as ever there are able replacements to step into their shoes, namely Eoin Guinan and Richie Hogan.

Also, in midfield, Patrick Hogan will win plenty of possession.

To ensure full effectiveness, Br Brennan has reshuffled the line-up that overcame Tipperary in the semi-final.

Maurice Nolan moves from full forward to centre-half forward, Edward O'Donoghue takes up the role on the square's edge, while Nicholas Kenny goes to the wing.

This may have been done with half an eye on the influential presence of Galway captain John Lee at centre back.

In the narrow semi-final victory over Cork he continually broke up Rebel attacks late on.

Galway's main strength, though, is the inside forward line. Joe Canning and Barry Hanley are practically bankers to donate a couple of scores, while Karl Wade is potentially the best minor attacker in the country.

Also, they have a great shot stopper in goalkeeper Mark Herlihy.

Just to increase the stakes, Kilkenny's minors are also in search of a three-in-a-row.

Come tomorrow evening the double-treble T-shirts may be on the market around Kilkenny but if Galway hit full throttle those garments will be gathering plenty of dust until this rare opportunity comes around again.

HOW THEY LINE OUT

KILKENNY (MHC v Galway): L Tierney; J Maher, K Joyce, E Walsh; N Prendergast, R Maher, S Prendergast; P Hartley, P Hogan; G Nolan, M Nolan, N Kenny; R Hogan, E O'Donoghue, E Guinan.

GALWAY (MHC v Kilkenny): M Herlihy; P Loughnane, G Mahon, C O'Donovan; M Ryan, J Lee, K Kilkenny; A Carey, D Kennedy; D White, K Hynes, V Coone; K Wade, J Canning, B Hanley.

Referee: J Sexton (Limerick).