More impressive Waterford ready to wrest title from Cork

IF there's one distinguishing feature about the meeting of Cork and Waterford hurlers in the Guinness Munster championship in Thurles tomorrow (4pm) it's to be seen in their respective paths to the final.

Justin McCarthy's team has been the more impressive en route, even if they came close to being dumped out by Tipperary in their last outing.

Last year when the counties again met in the decider it was a different story. A rejuvenated Cork had carried out a demolition job on Clare in much the same way that the Banner had swamped Tipperary in the opening round and justified their higher rating by taking the title.