Any time since they last won the All-Ireland that Kilkenny have had to open their campaign against A-list opponents, they've lost. That's not to make too much of the cause-and-effect but the longer the summer goes on, the better they like it. Dublin arrive in this semi-final in far better shape than they could have expected some months ago.

The fact that they've survived the preliminary-pool cull is probably sufficient cause for celebration but their performances have consistently improved with each passing match. They now have an excellent opportunity to exorcise the ghosts of their awful mauling two years ago by putting in a competitive 70 minutes with the champions.

To that extent the pressure is off but Kilkenny's attitude will to a large degree govern the outcome. Never shy about blitzing inferior opposition, Kilkenny are experimenting in certain positions. Stephen Grehan comes in at centre forward as Brian Cody has obviously decided that last year's ultimately disastrous dependence on John Power has to be modified into something more reasonable.

Kilkenny's untested defence should get a workout from Dublin's lively forwards who held their nerve admirably when the play-off against Laois went to the wire and picked off the necessary points.

The defensive spine will be looked at critically with Eamonn Kennedy's performance at centre back some sort of indicator as to whether he will command the loyalty of the selectors for a bit longer this year.

Eddie Brennan, debuting in the corner of the attack, is another whose performance will be watched with interest. A high-powered league behind him, he now has to negotiate the transition to championship. Tomorrow's fixture ensures that the transition will be gradual.

Dublin's spirit and opportunism stood them in good stead against Laois. It is hoped that Michael O'Grady's patient husbandry will be rewarded with a competitive display but for the moment that's the limit of supportable ambition.