This was the stand-out fixture in last week's qualifiers and very nearly a disaster for Luke Dempsey's team. If a side that nearly dumps Meath one week can't capitalise on the new format the next, at least some of the raison d'etre is undermined.
That said, the enthralling drawn match highlighted the competitive levels in Leinster and Wexford were very unfortunate not to finish the job before the industrial sized batch of injury time.
This replay recalls Westmeath's draw with Offaly four years ago, which Tommy Lyons' side won well en route to a Leinster title. Wexford took the psychological brunt of last week, although they did well to survive extra-time. Outstanding displays, especially by Leigh O'Brien, will be hard to reproduce and the fast start that left Westmeath cold will be harder the second time around.
The home side appear to have sorted out their best forward formation and even if they have to reshuffle to replace the suspended Damien Healy, their bench can take the strain. Tighter and with their focus restored, they can make sure of this the second time around.
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