Waterford must be proactive to inconvenience settled Kilkenny

At this stage everyone knows what you get with Kilkenny. 

They will employ their usual system; all-out defence once they lose possession. Both midfielders, Michael Fennelly and Conor Fogarty drop swiftly into defence, acting like two sweepers while the half-forwards funnel back as far as the half-back line to clog up attacking avenues.

The full-forwards also deploy themselves towards the 45m line. However, through their understanding of attacking formation, their athleticism, and their skill, they seamlessly turn defence into attack once they regain possession.