Half-forwards must deliver for Cork

CLEARLY, because holders Kilkenny have already qualified, the outcome of the second Guinness hurling championship semi-final in Croke Park tomorrow takes on added significance.

For Cork, there is the motivation of avenging last year's final defeat and for Wexford the even more powerful incentive to take on their greatest rivals in unique circumstances. And nothing will rouse either of them more than the challenge of denying Brian Cody's team the honour of three-in-a-row.

Wexford are stronger this year, although their performance level could be affected by injuries to three of their forwards and the fact that they played the Leinster final on the first Sunday of July. A week after that, Cork played Tipperary in the qualifier competition and met Antrim three weeks ago. However, in terms of preparation, it's debatable if the one-sided nature of that game will be of any significant benefit.