Waterford v Cork

Waterford face the daunting task of taking on a Cork side that are probably the best-placed team to break the stranglehold Kerry and Tyrone have over the Sam Maguire Cup.

The Déise go in as massive underdogs, but have been boosted by the decision of Waterford hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald to release dual stars Gary Hurney and Shane Walsh for the game.

Having home advantage should be of some benefit to Waterford, but Kerry travelled to Fraher Field in 2007 and gave them a hiding, so it's no guarantee of improved fortune for he hosts.

Cork travel as NFL Division Two champions, and have added a quartet of players from the U-21 collective that tasted All-Ireland success earlier this month.

Manager Conor Counihan has drafted in Ciaran Sheehan, Colm O'Neill, Noel Galvin and Aidan Walsh from that winning side. Sheehan's time with the seniors could be limited, however, as Aussie Rules side Carlton Blues seem pretty interested in acquiring his services.

Injuries to more established stars might open the door for these emerging talents, as Anthony Lynch (shoulder) is a doubt, while attackers Michael Cussen and Kevin O'Sullivan will definitely miss out through injury. Diarmuid Duggan had a knee operation last week and will also be unavailable.

Waterford must plan without midfielder Mick Aherne (virus), while defender Justin Walsh is out with a hamstring injury.

Cork midfielder Nicholas Murphy has insisted that the Rebels will not fall into the trap of complacency, and cited a Walsh Cup game eight years ago where they were brought to extra-time by the Déise as a warning of what can happen if the right attitude is not applied.

This Cork outfit have been steadily improving over the course of the last few years, and they might just have the perfect blend of youth, experience and physique to bring Sam back to Leeside for the first time in 19 years.

First things first, though.

Verdict: Cork