Limerick v Waterford: WHEN A drawn match is as poor as last week’s there’s a tendency to write it off as a useful indicator but it’s hard to avoid the feeling that the picture looks bleaker for Waterford than it did last week.
Ken McGrath’s absence because of injury mightn’t impact as much as previously because he struggled a lot at centre forward but the loss of the Mount Sion man at or near the top of his game is a weakening of the team.
The bad weather should have benefited them to a greater extent than it did, as they are undoubtedly the more technically accomplished players.
As underdogs, Limerick were also more likely to be inhibited in the first match and, having finished with momentum, will know that they have a good chance.
We don’t know what Limerick team Justin McCarthy will actually send out but the likelihood is the replacements from last week, David Breen and Denis Moloney, who added significantly to the team’s recovery, will start.
Waterford will argue that they too have room for improvement. John Mullane was the best forward on view – but as last year’s eclipse by Clare showed, he’s capable of turning it on even when the team is malfunctioning – but more can be expected from the others.
Of the starting attack, Séamus Prendergast was the only one apart from Mullane to score from play. David Fitzgerald reshapes the attack by bringing Gary Hurney in at centre forward. A committed ball winner, Hurney may be able to revive the attacking menace by providing an outlet for a more varied approach, which he had done in recent challenges.
For Limerick, Ollie Moran, with a match played, is unlikely to be as ineffective again. Andrew O’Shaughnessy has been battling for his best form but rediscovery can’t be guaranteed.
Tony Browne’s selection supports the view he should have started last week but there’s a lot of leeway to be made up at centrefield.
LIMERICK:B Murray; D Reale, S Lucey, M O'Riordan; S Walsh, B Geary, M Foley (capt.); D O'Grady, S Hickey; J Ryan, O Moran, N Moran; A O'Shaughnessy, J O'Brien, D Ryan.
WATERFORD: C Hennessy; E Murphy, D Prendergast, N Connors; R Foley, M Walsh, K Moran; T Browne, S O'Sullivan; S Prendergast, G Hurney, S Molumphy; J Mullane, E Kelly, J Nagle.
Referee:Brian Gavin (Offaly).
In the last episode:Weather conditions might offer an excuse for both sides in last week's draw. Limerick will feel the momentum of their comeback should have got them in front by the end.
You bet:Waterford are still odds on at 4 to 5 with Limerick at 5 to 4 and 10 to 1 another draw, the same odds as last week.
On your marks:Limerick hacked up at centrefield where Donal O'Grady and Séamus Hickey were too busy for Shane O'Sullivan and Stephen Molumphy. Tony Browne's arrival helped steady things for Waterford and he'll need to have a similar impact from the off.
Gaining ground:Although Waterford have established a strong record at Semple Stadium, Limerick have to go back 12 years for their last championship victory at the venue. The opponents that day were also Waterford.
Just the ticket: Prices have been reduced in keeping with the Munster Council's policy on replays. Stand tickets are €25 (covered) and €20 (uncovered). Terrace tickets €15.
Crystal gazing:There wasn't much last week to dismiss the belief that Waterford are on borrowed time. With better forwards they should still win this but the sense is that they're in trouble.
