It's a huge task, and we'll be up against it: Dunne

IT'S not the glamour clash of the All-Ireland semi-finals, the meeting of the two new boys, Waterford and Clare has seen to that.

However, Tipperary and Kilkenny are still members of the aristocracy, two of the three giants of the game, and as champions over the past two seasons (Tipperary reigning) theirs is also a contest to stir the blood.

Kilkenny go into the game on the up, as Leinster champions, while Tipperary lost their Munster crown to Waterford, then struggled on Sunday to contain the challenge of Ulster champions Antrim, a side they were widely expected to trounce. Far from joining the bandwagon, however, that this proves Tipp are on a downward slope, Kilkenny manager Brian Cody believes the unexpected test provided by Antrim will actually boost Tipp.