IF GALWAY’S win over Kilkenny did nothing else, it put everyone on notice. Tipperary especially.
Any residual over-confidence that came with the rediscovery of their attacking chops against Cork will have been torpedoed by the sheer lack of respect Joe Canning et al had for their supposed betters. It’s one thing to say you’re not going to take the opposition lightly – it’s quite another to see the holiest of holies being disembowelled for all the world to see.
So if we’re talking tomorrow night about a stirring Waterford victory, let nobody say it was an ambush. They’re not the team Tipp can be but then it’s not the team Tipp can be that they have to beat. It’s the Tipp that turn up.
On the evidence of the second half against Limerick and the semi-final at this venue three weeks ago, Declan Ryan’s side seem to be on the parabola’s upswing.
The Tetris-style attack that shape-shifted its way to an All Ireland two years ago has a lean and restless look about it.
It’s there that the biggest problem lies for Waterford. Kilkenny, for all their garlands, had no answer to the movement of the Galway forwards last weekend. In that light, Tony Browne’s recall isn’t such a surprise. A half-back line of him, Brick Walsh and Kevin Moran might just have the nous to hold steady.
But containment won’t be enough. Pauric Mahony will need to contribute more than his frees – Tipp have only conceded 0-13 of the 1-43 against them in the championship so far from placed balls – but other than himself and John Mullane, it’s not clear where scores will come from. Maurice Shanahan could not pick a better time to emerge from the chrysalis.
Previously: Last year's final was an evisceration, Tipp running in seven goals to win by 21 points. Waterford haven't beaten Tipp in the championship since the 2008 All-Ireland semi-final.
You bet: The bookies only see this going one way, with Tipp a miserly 1/5 and Waterford available at 9/2. The draw is best price 14/1.
Just the ticket:Stand tickets €35; Uncovered stand €30; Terrace €20. Students and OAPs can get a €10 refund on stand tickets on production of suitable ID. Juveniles €5 with an adult.
Crystal gazing: It's a while since Waterford have had Tipp's measure. The momentum behind Declan Ryan's side should keep them at bay for another year at least.
Referee: C McAllister (Cork).
