Replays, they say, take on a different complexion from what has gone before.
What then can we expect on Saturday evening when Kilkenny and Waterford meet again to decide who will contest this year’s All-Ireland hurling decider?
For much of the epic drawn game, it looked like the Déise were going to end a 57-year wait for a championship win over the Cats. However, a Walter Walsh goal and a subsequent point from Conor Fogarty ensured another tussle at Semple Stadium.
Waterford dispensed with their sweeper system last Sunday. They had three players inside for the majority of the game and, in Austin Gleeson, positioned at number 11, they had a performer who really excelled.
With the finish line in sight, Derek McGrath’s side did retreat somewhat. A natural reaction you would have to say, rather than obeying any pre-planned orders.
Brendan Cummins was on a Tipperary team that shipped two late goals in a compelling All-Ireland final against the Cats in 2009. The Premier threw everything at the Black and Amber that day, but still came up short. They got their revenge a year later.
“Waterford will have to keep pushing right up until they are back over the bridge in Waterford"
Cummins’ advice to Waterford, as a consequence, is simple.
“You have to keep attacking Kilkenny, you have to risk everything to win against Kilkenny, you can’t sit back,” he told RTE Sport.
"We were in a great position against Kilkenny in 2009 and we blew it. We had to wait a year to put things right, but Waterford will have six days to learn from last weekend.
"They will still have to do the right things in the replay but in my opinion are still in with a great chance of reaching the final.
“Waterford will have to keep pushing right up until they are back over the bridge in Waterford.
"We saw in injury time the last day that when Waterford did retreat, Conor Fogarty got that point to level it.”
As for Kilkenny, the two-time All-Ireland winner feels that all in the camp will be happy to get another shot of making the decider.
“I think if you were Brian Cody after the game, you’d have felt that you dodged a great bullet,” said Cummins.
"Cody will expect his team to be fresher on Saturday. For the first time ever, did the five-week gap since the Leinster final affect them?
"Did they have issues with it?
“Michael Fennelly looked very heavy legged and TJ Reid wasn’t really in the game. Those guys are big time players and you do expect a response.”
