Galway under-21 manager Tony Ward admits that not having played any matches in this year's All-Ireland championship is a disadvantage.

On Saturday evening, Galway will take on Leinster champions Dublin who have played three competitive games so far.

The Tribesmen have had to rely on challenges to try and get up to speed, but Ward admitted to the Connacht Tribune that nothing beats championship fare when it comes to preparation.

"We're still going in raw, Dublin have three championship matches played whereas we are only playing challenge matches," pointed out Ward.

"It's bound to be a disadvantage going in that raw. I know if you win a match you're in a final, it's still very hard to gauge lads until they are 15-20 minutes into championship hurling because it's a different kettle of fish."

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