Waterford appear to have answers

SHC QUARTER-FINAL:THEY MAY be neighbours in the sunny southeast, but this is only the second championship meeting between Wexford and Waterford.

The first was five years ago in the qualifiers, when Wexford won by five points.

There is a big question mark about both counties. Wexford put it up to Kilkenny in the first half of the Leinster final yet ended up badly beaten (by 19 points), and that's not the kind of hiding easily shaken from the system.

Waterford looked decent against Offaly last Saturday but were not without fault. They started well, yet trailed late in the first half, and without Eoin Kelly - and his stunning 2-13 - they would surely have been spending tomorrow out around Tramore.

Waterford at least seem to be playing for Davy Fitzgerald, which for now is all he can ask of them.

Fitzgerald persists with Ken McGrath at full back and Dan Shanahan in the half-forward line.

Shanahan's form of late has been poor, particularly against Offaly, when he did not even make a scoring attempt. Those eight goals he scored last summer seem more incredible with every game.

Defender Bryan Phelan and forward Stephen Molumphy are called in, but it's up front where Waterford will want to improve. Kelly may well start out where he finished the last day, but it's unlikely, and unless Waterford get more from Eoin McGrath, John Mullane and of course Shanahan, Wexford might have a chance of pulling off an unlikely win.

Diarmuid Lyng, Rory Jacob and Stephen Banville caused Kilkenny problems of sorts, but not for 70 minutes, and Wexford will need sustained excellence to triumph.

Keith Rossiter remains a massive loss at full back, given he would most likely mark Kelly.

Manager John Meyler does have Stephen Nolan and Barry Lambert back in contention to play some role after recent injury.

Wexford's obvious advantage is their pace, particularly in the forward line, and if they can spray the ball widely and quickly enough they will cause problems for McGrath and Tony Browne.

Waterford have the nerve and cuteness for an occasion like this, but the question remains: have they been on the road too long?

Wexford boss Meyler may be in his last year in charge, and the least his players can do for him is rise from the ashes of the Leinster final. They did it last year against Tipp. Can they do it again?

So many questions. What is certain is the winners will play Tipperary in the All-Ireland semi-final on August 17th. That's enough carrot to bring out the best in both teams and sustain the cracking pace of the championship.

WATERFORD:C Hennessy; E Murphy, K McGrath, D Prendergast; S O'Sullivan, T Browne, B Phelan; M Walsh, J Nagle; D Shanahan, S Prendergast, S Molumphy; E McGrath, E Kelly, J Mullane.

WEXFORD:D Fitzhenry; M Travers, D O'Connor, P Roche; M Jacob, D Stamp, C Farrell; E Quigley, D Redmond; PJ Nolan, W Doran, D Lyng; S Doyle, S Banville, R Jacob.

Referee:J Sexton (Cork).

GUIDELINES

In the last episode:Strictly speaking five years ago when Wexford won in the qualifiers, but a more tell-tale one perhaps was the league match this year, when Wexford upset the odds to win by a point in Walsh Park.

You bet:Boylesports make Waterford strong favourites at 1/5 and give Wexford a five-point handicap at 10/11.

On your marks:Waterford came out all guns blazing last week, posting 1-4 before Offaly could reply. Wexford aren't great at chasing games and will need to contain them from the start.

Gaining ground:Waterford are far more familiar with Semple Stadium and will almost certainly benefit from greater support. Now more than ever, Wexford need their fans to come out, unlikely as that is. At least the famed surface should suit Wexford.

Just the ticket:The GAA are anticipating a crowd of 45,000 for a highly attractive double bill. Some stand (€35) and terrace (€20) tickets will be available at the stadium. Students and senior citizens pay €15, juveniles accompanied by adults €5.

Crystal gazing:It's still a little soon to assess Davy Fitzgerald's influence, but Waterford still look good enough to win here.