The build up to this league game could best be described as low key. Perhaps it indicates a sense of inevitability and this is understandable considering the displays of the respective counties in round one. It’s quite a while since Waterford were rated as 9/2 outsiders when playing at Walsh Park. With the injury problems clearing up to some degree however and after having a two week break to digest the lessons of Páirc Uí Rinn it would be surprising if the home side didn’t hit this game with aggression and intensity.
They will need to be fully focussed to meet the physical challenge that Kilkenny pose in all areas of the field. Some of the slack marking witnessed in the Cork game also cannot be repeated. Conceding frees in front of goal would be a small penalty to pay instead of the green flags that Cats derive confidence from. Paul Flynn pointed out on the The Sunday Game last summer that such cynical defending might have prevented Richie Hogan pouncing for his two first half goals in the All Ireland semi final.
The absence of Aidan Kearney and Noel Connors was felt acutely last time out and if passed fit they will shore up some of the gaps exposed against Cork. Shane O’Sullivan’s return also provides a welcome boost and judging by the early season selection policy he could be placed in the half back line alongside Jamie Nagle and Kevin Moran. This is presuming that Michael Walsh is retained at centre forward where he will face up to the towering presence of Brian Hogan. If Maurice Shanahan and Shane Walsh can win their fitness battles then they will add greatly to the goal threat needed to rattle Kilkenny. While Gavin O’Brien has turned heads when introduced in recent weeks, this game may be one too soon to receive his first league start. What Waterford need to do up front is to show the courage to take on their markers and run at this Kilkenny defence to create some confusion. The deliveries inside also need to be carefully judged as launching high balls, like those seen in the first half a fortnight ago, only plays into the hands of the Kilkenny backs. The tactical approach in both attack and defence will be interesting to note.
On the basis of Kilkenny’s incisive display against Tipperary, the home side will do well to hang onto the coat tails of the Cats. Their stick work and link up play up front looked razor sharp this early in the year and were it not for some desperate last ditch defending they could have fired more than two bullets past Brendan Cummins. Richie Power, TJ Reid and Eoin Larkin all looked in menacing form and plucked balls out of the sky for fun. Their defence kept goal chances to a minimum and Michael Fennelly rarely takes a backward step in midfield. Brian Cody stated after the game that he would be trying out some new faces in the upcoming rounds but make no mistake about it they have a league title firmly in their sights.
A full blooded seventy minute performance should be expected from the hosts but a close to full strength Kilkenny should absorb those blows. The bookies have put the handicap at six points and Waterford will need to lift all aspects of their game in order to beat that.
National Hurling League Division 1A
Waterford v Kilkenny
Throw in 2.30 at Walsh Park
Referee: John Sexton (Cork)
Betting:
Waterford 9/2 Draw 12/1 Kilkenny 1/6
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