Munster

Clare

Strengths: In an attempt to tell us that the future is so bright we'll have to wear shades, Clare are sporting new selectors, new captain, new sponsors, new season, new players (some). Still hard to beat. Pre-eminence of Clare clubs in Munster continues. Possibility of one last stand?

Weaknesses: Hard to beat but hard to lose to. Old habits die hard. Old soldiers die hard. Old manager is sometimes a distracting sideshow. St Joseph's Doora-Barefield players knackered. Possibility of losing to Waterford or Tipp. 1998 may have been that one last stand.

Prediction: The core of this team has been on the road for seven years. One tranquil summer wouldn't hurt. Provincial semi-finalists.

Cork

Strengths: Champions last year with average age of 12. Could be beginning of a dynasty. Shared experience from kindergarten onwards of the management of Jimmy Barry-Murphy. Despite youth, they have also learned some hard lessons. Crack defence, skilful forwards.

Weaknesses: Remember 1966, when a young Cork side also surprised Kilkenny but then largely disintegrated before winning another All-Ireland? Haven't wintered impressively. Surprising mileage figures - this is Joe Deane's and Sean O hAilpin's fifth championship. Centrefield operated on a wing and prayer last year. Needs supplementing.

Prediction: Demands of modern championship aren't kind to defending champions. Surely a case for the GPA? The draw should keep Cork in the race until August at least. After that, well it depends on the draw.

Kerry

Strengths: Not many. Capable of occasional flurry in championship but generally against Waterford. Usually Waterford's footballers.

Weaknesses: Inexperienced. A season being filleted in Division One hasn't helped morale. Opening round draw against Cork doesn't help.

Prediction: Hoping to stave off questions about their continued participation at this level. Why are Kerry still competing at this level?

Limerick

Strengths: Young, reconstructed and back. Confidence of good league run behind them. Central defence has had its moments. Mark Foley in good form. Precocious talents of Mark Keane, James Butler and Brian Begley up front. Crafty manager.

Weaknesses: Looked a bit off the pace against Tipp. Untested at the top level. Leaked goals during the league. Big Begley is a bit predictable. Healy and Butler a bit too easily rebuffed. Could still be in Thurles playing Tipp in the League semi-final and still wouldn't have scored a goal. Cork in first outing. Life ain't fair.

Prediction: At their best they could test Cork. Might have been too insistent on playing at Thurles which is a venue Cork love.

Tipperary

Strengths: Big pool of players. At last a good defensive spine. Consistency of Paul Shelly at full forward. Scoring potential of Mark O'Leary and Paddy O'Brien. Tommy Dunne's free-taking. Lessons learned last year.

Weaknesses: League campaign suggested pool is more of a puddle, spread wide but shallow. New forwards unproven at top level. Corner back crisis. No centrefield. Back to the drawing board since last year.

Prediction: Look better than last year in certain positions but could still be waylaid by the grim reapers from Waterford next week.

Waterford

Strengths: Experience of 1998 proves that players are capable of competing at highest level. Excellent current form of Ken McGrath and David Bennett. Regained psychological initiative against Tipperary two years ago. Return to fold of Johnny Brenner. No media ban.

Weaknesses: Recent form hasn't been great. Assumed to be very interested in winning league but were brushed aside by Galway. Uncertainty about Tony Browne's fitness/form. No media, you just can't talk to the players. Forwards still a bit limited. Unsettled at full back. No great reserve strength.

Prediction: Current reservations suggest they're outsiders next week but at full throttle they can beat Tipp.