The suspicion must be that Na Fianna learned more from last week's game. After the thrilling conclusion to what was a cagey, inhibited match, Rathnew manager Harry Murphy's immediate confession was that he wasn't looking forward to the replay because he believed his team should have finished the issue first time. Na Fianna, clearly lost after the dismissal of Dessie Farrell, the team's attacking general, were merely relieved to have survived.

Both teams will almost definitely improve on the standard they achieved in the draw. The free takers will have had reason for self-censure, with Tommy Gill of Rathnew and Ian Foley and Des Macken of Na Fianna all squandering opportunities they would expect to land. Given the low-scoring nature of the drawn encounter, such misses seemed glaring.

Although potential fatigue has to be taken into account when considering Na Fianna, now on their eighth Sunday on the trot, it is hardly likely that the replay will be a runaway affair either way. Despite the contrasting styles, both clubs possess a similarly honest work ethic, which enabled Rathnew to claw their way back to parity late last week just as it saved the Dublin side from collapse.

Rested and emboldened after last week's display, it is not difficult to see Rathnew accumulating their average of nine or 10 points and maybe also sneaking a goal - full forward Darren Coffey was perhaps the most potent forward on the field last week.

Gill will atone for his free-kicking of last week and also has the ability to contribute handsomely from open play. Rathnew have the perfect club combination of young, intercounty standard talent and infinitely wise troopers - with the likes of Trevor Doyle and Ronan Coffey embodying all such qualities.

Na Fianna have the firepower to outscore their opponents provided they overcome their subconscious tendency to lean on Farrell. The Dublin veteran's absence for this match is serious but should not be fatal. The role of Jason Sherlock becomes critical now. Although his form has been splendid throughout this campaign, he cannot afford to content himself with being a playmaker and must capitalise on his scoring potential.

Farrell's absence alters the look of the Na Fianna forward line and ought to be seen as an opportunity by the likes of Paddy McGeeney and Senan Connell.

Na Fianna's midfield duo of Keiran McGeeney and Karl Donnelly are an impressive force but the ploy of using McGeeney for so many dead balls worked against the team, slowing them down.

The biggest worry for Na Fianna is that while they go through patches of utter superiority, they leave teams alive. They ought to have been more than four points ahead at the break last week. With tiredness bound to haunt them in the last stages of this replay, they will not want to find themselves defending a late charge again.

The pressure is on Rathnew this time. Gone is the novelty of a maiden provincial final appearance, replaced now by an avid sense of expectation. They have the maturity to meet that pressure but this time their opponents might well run out with a greater sense of having nothing to lose.

Rathnew have a very steady and persuasive look to them but this is a match that Na Fianna will win if they discover their ruthless side and start killing games off.