WEXFORD'S manager, Liam Griffin, is convinced his team will be up against "the best team in the land" when they take the field against reigning champions Offaly in Sunday's Leinster senior hurling final.

"But we don't fear them," says Griffin. "We are going in as underdogs. But, at the same time, I cannot warn our players enough that if we go back to our old ways of over carrying we will be beaten and beaten well."

A faster, more co-ordinated game, and a greater realism among Wexford's supporters are two of Griffin's chief wishes for Sunday apart, of course, from the hope that Georgie O'Connor will be fully fit to play and complete an 18th championship season.

"We went to Croke Park for years and Wexford people really believed that we had a God given right to beat Offaly," Griffin says. "That wasn't being realistic in those days. I sense there is more realism there now. Offaly's achievements are greater than ours, and every year you are not in the limelight makes people be a little more realistic."

He will be demanding more direct hurling from his team, and at the same time hopes that there is no return to individualism. "Our fellows were not individualistic previously because they were trying to be selfish on purpose, but rather because they were so desperate for victory that they went in that direction and tried for scores from impossible angles.

"Our game was far too slow. That is our desire. The question is, can we do it on the day? Our strong point now is that we are more of a team than individuals. From our point of view, if you want to be in this game you want to play the best, and that's really why we are looking forward to Sunday. We, are getting our day in the sun.

He continues "Offaly are a tremendous team, they are well balanced throughout, they have not got one line that you could say is not a good line. But again, from our point of view, isn't that sport? It's like the Olympic You want to get there because you want to compete with the best. Now, the question for us is can we hold our own with the best?

"Offaly's strength is their unity. The team has changed very little over the past three years. They are close knit from their school days to minor and through under 21. They have enjoyed success at these levels where we never had success."

Griffin once played for Clare and was delighted with their success in last years All Ireland final. "Looking at it today, I would prefer if Offaly had won it for the simple reason that defeat last year means that Offaly will be that bit keener on winning another All Ireland."

He does not put much store on Wexford's league quarter final win over Offaly. The general feeling was at the time that Offaly were not geared for the league. "I would assess our victory in that light," says Griffin. But victory over Kilkenny in the first round of the championship was quite a different matter. "It was a watershed for us, the first time we beat them in six seasons."

The Wexford boss reckons that Offaly, unlike his team, may be able to afford having one or two players who don't perform. "We will need everyone playing to full potential."

He feels that Dublin were not given full credit for "their battling performance" against Wexford in the semi final. "We played poorly in the second half, and have been working on our faults in that game in training.

"Offaly are red-roaring favourites, but we're not afraid. We believe that we can give them a hell'uva rattle."

What about Georgie O'Connor, will he make it? "He will be doubtful right up to Sunday. He got a blow on the back of the hand against Dublin and it is slow to recover. His grip is not great at the moment. It's getting better each day.

"Both of his hands are slightly troublesome at the moment. All of us in the squad look upon Georgie as our spiritual leader."

And that about sums up the huge loss O'Connor would be to the team as they prepare for their greatest test.