THERE IS irony in the fact that Waterford face into a sixth All-Ireland semi-final drawing comfort from their uncertain form. This is on the basis that momentum and high expectations have done nothing for the county in their previous appearances at this stage of the championship.

There is a widespread sense that this will be a last crack at the big time for the team and should they again fail at the penultimate hurdle, there would be few takers for the idea that they could learn from the experience.

Unfortunately for Waterford, the conditions necessary for their turning in a surprise performance look too far-fetched. No one who has watched the team over the years would doubt their ability in top gear to win this match but why would they hit that tempo on the third weekend in August when it's eluded them so far all year?

Could Tipperary be caught by the long lay-off? Kilkenny didn't show much signs of that a week ago and since the qualifiers were introduced Waterford are the only Munster champions to have lost All-Ireland semi-finals.

Might complacency open up a glimpse for Waterford? Possibly in the sense that any favourites are vulnerable if opponents put up an unexpectedly strong performance.

The evidence of this year, however, is that Tipperary are hurling at a different level. The speed of movement and inter-play in the Munster final was the most impressive spell of play by anyone outside of Kilkenny this season.

It can be argued that Clare had 10 first-half wides but most of them were shot under pressure and even at their best Waterford are prone to the same failing.

Tipperary's half backs laid the foundations for the provincial final win and so far Waterford's half forwards haven't been playing at the top of their game so a substantial improvement will be needed. That is all the more important given the need to supply Eoin Kelly and John Mullane, both in dazzling form, with serviceable ball that will put pressure on Tipp's full backs.

Michael Walsh's form is said to be getting back to its best and that again is a necessity given the quality of Shane McGrath's performances.

Under Davy Fitzgerald's management Waterford are trying to play a more structured game but paradoxically they need to be able to find the improvised symphony that marked their best performances under Justin McCarthy if they are realistically to challenge.

Part of the new practicality has been the switch of Ken McGrath to full back to shore up the full-back line. It's a not a move that commands much affection but everyone accepts the prevention of goals is imperative.

Tipperary have overcome the uncertainties that dogged their half forwards at the start of the championship but were they to reappear the outlook would darken for the Munster champions.

The form of Eoin Kelly and Lar Corbett on the inside, however, has been exceptional and must summon the spectre of goals.