Déise have potential to cause upset

THE one thing we can be absolutely sure of tomorrow is that the Waterford hurlers will have to do everything right if they are to upset Kilkenny and claim a second National League trophy.

Brian Cody’s team go into the Allianz decider in Semple Stadium (3.45pm) as favourites and that’s based on their all-round strength as much as their penchant for usually delivering on the big occasion. But the outcome is by no means a foregone conclusion.

Waterford have proved at various stages over the last decade — ever since current Cork manager Gerald McCarthy took over and Justin McCarthy then carried on his good work — that they can be a match for the best teams on a given day. The trouble is that while they have made the breakthrough in Munster, they haven’t been able to go the extra mile. Yet, as was indicated in last year’s All-Ireland semi-final against Cork and again in 2004 against Kilkenny, they’re not that far off achieving it.