Déise hoping goal machine in working order for Galway test

For Waterford, this is an eighth game, with two having been lost already. In contrast, it is Galway’s third outing, the straightforward victory over Laois in the quarter-final followed by the drama of the semi-final, which was overshadowed by the malfunctioning of Hawkeye.

Seán Power’s Waterford appear to be coming good at the right time, though, with an unchanged team from the side which beat Kilkenny following earlier chopping and changing.

Stephen Bennett is the marquee forward, but Patrick Curran is well capable of catching fire and the defence has improved, led by outstanding centre-back Austin Gleeson. Conor Whelan and Ronan O’Meara in Galway’s half-forward line will test them, though, and full-forward Brian Burke should have a good battle with Déise captain Kevin Daly.