The potential loss of Michael Fennelly for the All-Ireland final would be a huge blow for Kilkenny, according to RTÉ hurling analyst Liam Sheedy.
The Cats yet again got the better of neighbours Waterford, but were made to fight all the way in a thrilling semi-final replay in Thurles as they came out the right side of the 2-19 to 2-17 scoreline.
Kilkenny will now go in search of a third successive Liam MacCarthy title, and Cody his 12th All-Ireland success as manager, with Tipperary or Galway faced with the task of halting the Black and Amber juggernaut.
One blot on the copybook however was another injury for the luckless Ballyhale man who will be in a race against time to be fit for the decider on 3 September.
Fennelly pulled up as he surged forward with a little over 10 minutes remaining in the contest and Cody confirmed afterwards the 31-year-old suffered an Achilles tendon injury.
The 2011 Hurler of the Year has been plagued in recent years with various injuries and has started just 19 Kilkenny’s last 45 games in National League and Championship over the last three and half seasons, though has started all four Championship games this year.
Tipperary’s 2010 winning manager Liam Sheedy says the possible loss of Fennelly cannot be underestimated.
“Losing Michael Fennelly, they have paid a heavy price for the replay,” he told RTÉ Sport.
“He was a colossus in centre forward and then went out around the middle of the field in the second half. He would be a massive loss to that Kilkenny team.
“It looks like a serious injury and we wish him well.”
Fennelly captained Kilkenny to their 2009 All-Ireland win over Tipperary
Fennelly has won six All-Ireland titles and three All Stars since making his inter-county bow in 2006 but only in 2010 and 2011 has he started every Championship match.
The LIT and Setanta College lecturer played 27 minutes against Offaly in the Allianz League quarter-final but has not started a regulation League match in three years.
