Sunday will be the first of the big clashes in hurling this season when last year's All-Ireland champions Kilkenny take on National League champions Waterford.
The Decies had been fancied to reach last year's All-Ireland final against the Cats after a scintillating season where the goals of their top marksman Dan Shanahan lit up the season.
Those dreams died in a tired performance against a fresh and battle hardened Limerick in the All-Ireland semi finals and all eyes will be on Justin McCarthy's side to see how much that defeat has taken out of them.
Waterford have been knocking on the door of All-Ireland success since they signalled their return to the national stage when they pushed All-Ireland champions Clare to a replay in the Munster hurling final in 1998.
However, despite winning three Munster titles in this decade last year's National League remains their only national title and there will always be a feeling that this team has underachieved unless they lift the Liam McCarthy.
However, some of the team's best players are now on the wrong side of 30 and for the likes of Tony Browne and Ken McGrath this year may be their last hurrah.
The Cats are strong favourites to take the points in their own back yard but the big question remains does McCarthy's side still have the stomach to be a contender for national honours.
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