MUNSTER SHC SEMI-FINAL:WITH A team in Waterford's position there's no telling when the wheels will come off. You could argue that this already happened last September but no one could live with Kilkenny that day and a team isn't really sitting on its chassis until it starts to lose matches that it never would have done in its prime.
The sudden change of management perhaps qualifies the thrashing by Clare a year ago as an aberration but it’s clear that the time is fast approaching when Waterford will start struggling in Munster.
On the face of it tomorrow’s GAA Munster hurling semi-final could be confirmation of all that. Waterford’s deposed manager Justin McCarthy is back, like Coriolanus at the gates, leading Limerick against his former charges.
McCarthy has displayed a monastic restraint when questioned about the messy Waterford exit but it’s safe to say that he’ll do his talking on the broad acres of Semple Stadium where he will hope to have plenty to say. He knows the opposition inside out and will have configured his tactics precisely.
Limerick have been unlucky with injuries, which rule out two of the league campaign’s better performers, David Breen and Gavin O’Brien. Séamus Hickey, around whom there is still an injury doubt, is named at centrefield and whereas there was work for an army of cryptologists in deciphering his Waterford selections there’s not the same adaptability in the Limerick selection.
David Fitzgerald has tried to refresh Waterford by the old and occasionally effective method of switching key players around. Michael Walsh has been given all of the NHL campaign to bed in at centre back. He’ll need to be careful against a crafty campaigner like Ollie Moran, who is listed to mark him.
Ken McGrath is no stranger to the other 40 but reports are mixed about how well he’s adapting to the switch. Overall Waterford are an experienced collective but half of the team weren’t around for the breakthrough title of 2002.
The real question tomorrow is to what extent Waterford have the stomach for this any more. For all the coaching expertise that McCarthy will have brought to Limerick, they will still pose a formidable physical challenge, as sessions have been gruelling.
Ultimately Waterford continue to pack a more convincing threat up front. Dan Shanahan may be labouring to rediscover his form but dual player Gary Hurney has impressed in challenges as a target for quick ball and offers an option if needed.
Unless they manage another deluge of goals Limerick will be under pressure to keep up.
LIMERICK:B Murray; D Reale, S Lucey, M O'Riordan; S Walsh, B Geary, M Foley; 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; K Moran, M Walsh, A Kearney; S O'Sullivan, S Molumphy; S Prendergast, K McGrath, J Nagle; J Mullane, E Kelly, E McGrath.
Referee:D Kirwan (Cork).
In the last episode:In retrospect Waterford's best chance of an All-Ireland was two years ago. It came unstuck against Limerick in a semi-final blown apart by the implosion of Waterford's full back line and the concession of five goals.
Despite reaching last year’s final, the 2007 semi-final will stand as the team’s watershed moment.
You bet:Waterford start odds-on at 7-10 with Limerick 11-8 and 10-1 the draw.
On your marks:Brian Begley is not there to re-enact the terror of 2007 but Waterford's full backs have always been regarded as a pressure point and James O'Brien is well able to catch ball.
The talented Passage East newcomer Noel Connors makes his championship debut on Limerick’s former All Star Andrew O’Shaughnessy, who had a field day in the All-Ireland semi-final two years ago.
Gaining ground:Three times in the past six years, Limerick's Munster championship campaigns have included draws in Semple Stadium, twice against Tipperary and once against Waterford in 2003. Two years ago they beat Tipp in the second replay but on the other occasions were beaten.
Just the ticket:Stand tickets are €30 (covered) and €25 (uncovered). Terrace tickets €20. Students are €10 and accompanied juveniles, €5. OAPs get €10 refund on stand tickets. Available from www.munster.gaa.ie.
Crystal gazing:For how much longer can Waterford continue to bounce back? Evidence of decline last year was masked by the run to the All-Ireland final at which point there were abundant exhibits.
The sense tomorrow is, however, that with injuries Limerick will struggle to take advantage.
Limerick V Waterford,Tomorrow, throw-in – 4pm Semple Stadium, Thurles Live on RTÉ2
