Galway and Kilkenny go head to head in Sunday's All-Ireland Senior Championship final pool fixture with the winner taking top honours in Group 1.
Both sides are currently unbeaten after three fixtures - although Kilkenny are perched on top by virtue of points difference - and the prize on offer is a direct route to the semi-finals.
Under new manager Cathal Murray, Galway has enjoyed a super start to the championship, with two home victories and an away win over Limerick. However the current league champions will be a tough proposition in Nowlan Park, and this fixture will be a litmus test for Galway.
Murray will be looking to his most experienced players such as Sarah Dervan, Heather Cooney, Niamh Kilkenny and Niamh Hanniffy to lead his squad, with the promising Carrie Dolan in super scoring form this season, alongside Ailish O'Reilly.
With a real appetite to return to Croke Park, Galway's ambition has them on target, but they must now negotiate a massive hurdle which will ensure a place in this season's All Ireland semi-final.
“We targeted three wins at the start of the group," says manager Murray. "We hoped to win the three of them to set up a winner-takes-all game against Kilkenny - it’s gonna be a massive ask, but we’re looking forward to the challenge."
While Galway have confidence and belief they can go all the way, Sunday's game will shine some more light on that ambition.
Leaders and current All Ireland champions Cork are favourites to top Group 2.
Kilkenny v Galway, Nowlan Park, Sunday 2.30pm.
