How does a team find the reserves to produce consecutive high-octane performances? That is the poser the Munster hurling championships continually asks of its elite, and that is the challenge which lies in front of Waterford this weekend.

So many magnificent performances have been followed by a flat display in recent years. Last year Clare caught Tipperary cold before succumbing to the furious rebel force of Cork. This Sunday, Waterford head to Páirc Uí Chaoimh with the scalp of Anthony Daly's supposedly bright new dawn tucked neatly under their belts, while Tipperary patiently await the chance to show their worth.

"Every game is different. It's trying to produce the performance again that is the most difficult," says Ken McGrath. "We peaked on May 16th and now we have to peak again, but that's what makes the championship so interesting."

That day against Clare Dan Shanahan produced a sparkling performance to finish with 3-1, but hurling enthusiasts quickly recognised the pivotal role played by McGrath in the defeat of Clare.

A forward by nature, McGrath has been a revelation at centre back. The performance gains more credence considering the best centre back of the generation, Seanie McMahon, was playing at the other end. Although understandably coy about the display, it looked like McGrath was born for the role.

"I'm enjoying it so far. I wouldn't mind playing in the forwards again, but it's okay. To play there you have to concentrate more on what's going on around you."

Tipperary disappointed in 2003 (victories over Offaly, Galway and Laois were overshadowed by the hiding they received from Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi-final). It's rare that they malfunction a second time.

Of course, if Waterford can reproduce last month's performance, Tipperary's form may not make a difference.

If the laws of logic were to prevail (they never do when it comes to the Munster hurling championship), Waterford would be going into this duel as hot favourites. Their performance against Clare is the benchmark that every team must now aspire to, and that includes Waterford.

"In that championship match in Thurles everything went right. It was a benefit to win it, especially for the young lads as they got to know what it feels to triumph in a big game. Against Clare we had a lot to prove, now we have to prove that was no fluke.

"Everything will be the same this week and we'll probably be the same as well - I can only see a few minor changes. Everyone has beaten everyone else in the last couple of years so it's wide open. If we can beat them we'll have a great chance of going further than ever before."

Although not overly familiar with the Tipperary panel, McGrath is aware of the "backbone" players. There is also the sparring session in the National League to fall back on; the high scoring draw of two months ago is still fresh in the memory.

"It was a great game, almost like a championship match, and I think the game on Sunday will be another great game."

Almost like a championship match. It had the same cast of actors, the same men patrolling the line and probably even a decent crowd but, nothing like the tension that exists at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on a Sunday in June.

If McGrath can produce another all encompassing display Waterford will be half way to meeting the expectations they have set for themselves.