When the neighbours last warred in 1999, the lines of engagement were clear-cut. Clare were still the game's redoubtable force of nature, Galway its lost soul. They both made a crossing in what was an unforgettable contest that went to a replay. For Galway, the draw gave them their first significant championship result since the All-Ireland final of 1993. For Clare, it was to be the last scalp worth whooping about for some time.

Three years on, Galway have altered their lines considerably. Liam Hodgins is the only survivor from the men who were positioned one to seven that day, moving from right corner back to centre back. And only four other players - Eugene Cloonan, Kevin Broderick, Alan Kerins and Ollie Canning - made the transition from that phase in Galway's evolution to starting tomorrow.

On the surface, Galway have strengthened greatly since. But for the concession of untidy goals, they might well be going into this game as All-Ireland holders. That haunting fact has led to an extension to the search for a watertight defence, with Diarmuid Cloonan, accomplished against Cork, in just his second game at full back and Hodgins at the centre of a new-look half-back line.

These are the relative novice spots that Clare will identify as points to attack. The midfield partnership of Kerins and Richie Murray can expect a stern test from Colin Lynch and John Reddan but ought to enjoy the better of the fare.

Another princely duel between Brian Lohan and Eugene Cloonan awaits us. The fact that the pitch at Croke Park has been extended to the size of Texas will suit the fliers, Fergal Healy and Damien Hayes, who could have been gobbled up by Brian Quinn and Frank Lohan in tighter confines. But even if Galway do not tick as a unit, manager Noel Lane can make four, even five, changes that will not weaken the side in any way.

Where are Clare now? Certainly, Cyril Lyons does not have such personnel luxuries at his disposal. The skeleton of the legendary defence is sound, with the Lohans, Brian Quinn and Seanie McMahon all on watch and all, somehow, still sharp.

Frank Lohan has recovered well from a tough and unenviable afternoon chasing Tipp's Eoin Kelly. The emergence of Tony Griffin and Tony Carmody, for whom the epic years are just stories, has been of enormous help to the county. Against that, the scoring returns of James O'Connor have been disappointing after years of preternatural service. And Colin Lynch hasn't been the same since Ollie Baker quietened.

It is hard not to see big Niall Gilligan ambling into the square to crack a few jokes with Diarmuid Cloonan. Clare will need goals to live with Galway's firepower. Fortunately for them, they have a superior record in this regard, cracking nine past Galway in their last three championship games. If they maintain that form tomorrow, they will be in business.

But they are playing lads who have absorbed many painful lessons. Galway don't tremble on big days any more, nor do they rage as Clare so often have. But they believe and they keep coming. A match between these counties is a joy and tomorrow has the potential to emulate 1999.

Now, though, Galway are less innocent and more impatient. They won't sweep their great neighbours aside, but should do enough to repel the charge.