John Meyler says Cork are benefiting from Doug Howlett's experience

Cork hurling manager John Meyler has praised the impact of Doug Howlett since the former Munster and All Blacks rugby star joined the Rebels senior hurling backroom team.

"He's a fantastic sportsman and brings a wealth of experience in terms of performance at the higher level," Meyler said of the new high performance lead.

"He's very much hands-on, and we'd hope he'll bring that to the table.

"We're delighted with him and the lads are delighted with him."

Howlett has competed at the highest level in sport, and while it may be a different code, Meyler feels there are parallels:

"It's about performing, and I spoke to Doug during the week about going into Newlands to play South Africa in front of 80,000 people - what's coming at you, knowing what's coming at you against Tipperary in Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday week when there's 40,000 people there.

"A lot of the players have been there as well, in fairness, but it's about allaying their fears. It's about performing at that level."

Meyler has spoken in the past of the benefit from learning from other sports given his son, David is a professional soccer player in England.

"You look at the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City, they way they move the ball - a lot of hurling is like that at the moment, working the ball and getting it back in high-pressure situations," he continued.

"You learn from sports like the NFL in terms of set plays and so on.

"You have to keep yourself open to the various sports around the place."

Meanwhile, the Rebels boss gave an update on the playing surface of Páirc Uí Chaoimh ahead of the Munster Championship opener against Tipperary on May 12. Cork's home games during the league were moved to Páirc Uí Rinn to allow for work to be done on the field of the 45,000-capacity stadium.

"It's looking green, I'm not a horticulturist or whatever, but the county board has put the resources into it, and hopefully that won't be the conversation after the game," said Meyler. "Hopefully you'll be talking about the hurling as distinct from the match against Wexford way back. That has to be right.

"We're grateful to the GAA, to Croke Park and the Cork County Board for their help as well."

It's now full steam ahead to the Premier showdown, particularly given that captain Seamus Harnedy was cleared to play.

"It's great to have Harnedy back - to have your best players back, that's what you're looking for," smiled Meyler.

"He's a top class intercounty player and he's vital to us.

"Tipperary have a new management, it's going to be really competitive."

Sky Sports' live GAA coverage gets underway on Saturday, May 11 as Dublin face Kilkenny in the Leinster Hurling Championship opener. You can also stay up to date with all the action by following us @SkySportsGAA and get all the latest news, previews and interviews www.skysports.com/gaa