No one expects Wexford to beat Kilkenny tomorrow - and it's hard to imagine how Wexford themselves can expect it - but the important thing is they ensure the game doesn't turn into the sad parade of the Leinster final.

Wexford, will have gained great confidence from last Saturday's win over Tipperary. They created enough goal chances and held enough possession to have won far easier, and players such as Keith Rossiter and Declan Ruth stepped up to their task with increased verve.

David O'Connor, who replaced Stephen Nolan in the half forwards last week, comes into the starting line-up to muscle up the attack, and if they create the same amount of goal chances as last Saturday - and convert them this time - then they'll certainly put it up to Kilkenny.

Winning is a whole other challenge - and there's only so far Wexford can raise their game. Instead they'll need Kilkenny to somehow drop off in their performance, produced a sort of watered-down version of the team work and spirit that crushed Galway last Saturday. With manager Brian Cody on the sideline the chances of that happening are hovering at zero.

Kilkenny - who start Richie Power tomorrow instead of Aidan Fogarty - haven't earned their ruthless reputation for nothing, and there's every chance they'll raise their game another notch.

Henry Shefflin didn't score from play and that's unlikely to happen again. Cody will want to get a better return from his full forward line than the 0-4 the last day - that before Eddie Brennan went on and hit 2-3.

This is the game Wexford's season will ultimately be judged on, and they can walk out with heads held high once they are competitive.

All-Ireland SHC Semi-final

Kilkenny v Wexford

Tomorrow, 2pm

Croke Park, live on RTÉ 2