Andy Moloney: Waterford need to win more than Tipperary on Sunday

The Déise and Tipp clash at Azzurri Walsh Park in round two of the Munster SHC.

Andy Moloney in action for Waterford. Pic: Brendan Moran.

Former Waterford and Tipperary hurler Andy Moloney says The Déise’s need to win the counties’s crunch Munster SHC Round 2 game in Azzurri Walsh Park on Sunday is greater.

As Waterford look to avoid a fifth straight provincial defeat and remain in hunt for a first qualification from the group in seven seasons, Ballygunner man Moloney senses the greater motivation lies with the hosts.

“From a Waterford point of view, this is a must-win game for a couple of different reasons. Team morale and confidence which in turn feeds into the public mood. As the old adage says, a rising tide lifts all boats.

“The new format hasn’t been kind to Waterford since its inception and a win next Sunday would help break the hoodoo, which is hanging over the county team and with every passing year will get hard to break that ceiling in psychological sense. That being the case, Waterford need this win more.”

Moloney sees the fixture being decided between the 45s and how the managements use their reserves.

“Strength and speed are a huge part of this game now and with that in mind, neither team can afford to have to many older players out there at the same time.

“Both teams will be hurting from their defeats and both will have expended a lot of energy in their respective matches, so this game will come down to the benches and how strong and fit they are.

“From that point of view, Tipp are marginally in a better position as Jamie Barron looks to be carrying an injury and he’s a big player for this Waterford team, whereas Tipp have very few if any injury concerns.” 

Tipperary may have relegated Waterford at the same venue last month but Moloney says they have no hang-ups about Liam Cahill’s side.

“Waterford won’t fear Tipp, and if they are in the game going down the stretch, I’d fancy them to go on and win or at the very least get a draw. But if they allow the Tipp forwards to hurl and get time on the ball, Tipp have the quality to put up big scores.”

As evidenced in Ennis on Sunday, there is a reliance on Stephen Bennett for scores and it is a concern for Moloney.

“My only worry from a Waterford perspective is that we scored 3-21 and one player scored 3-12 of that, whereas Tipp had marginally a better spread of scorers but were dependent a lot on frees to stay in the hunt (v Cork).”

Sunday will be the counties’ fourth championship meeting since Cahill stepped down as Waterford manager for Tipperary in July 2022.

Moloney doesn’t see it being as much a factor. “Liam and Mikey (Bevans) did a good job with Waterford in their time down here and players and supporters appreciate that and they were very helpful during the league in getting their respective game postponed due to the sad passing of Benny Kiely, Michael’s father.

“So, there’s a lot of goodwill there and respect from both sides. However, this is championship and all niceties will go out the window once they cross the white lines.”