Dublin are an improving side that will test any opponent in Division 1 of the Allianz Hurling League, according to RTÉ analyst Jackie Tyrrell.
The Dubs recorded their most notable scalp so far under new boss Mattie Kenny after holding off Waterford at Parnell Park on Sunday and Tyrrell is impressed with their improvement in 1B this season.
"It's a big win for them," said the four-time All-Star. "Things are moving nicely for them. Six points.
"No one will want to draw them in the League (knock-out stages) and they'll have a right cut off whoever. They're really moving in the right direction."
"They're starting to get the spine of the team right. Sean Moran centre-back, Eoghan O'Donnell, who is one of the best defenders in the country, is full-back."
"I went to the Dublin county final last year and Oisin O'Rorke (0-11 against Waterford) really impressed me. He took it to Ballyboden that day and he's a great find."
Former All-Star Danny Sutcliffe, Eamon Dillon and Liam Rushe (1-01) all contributed four points from play to Dublin's total of 1-25 but they still required a late penalty save by Alan Nolan to deny Stephen Bennett a hat-trick.
Waterford finished with 4-15, having hit 3-3 to Dublin's 0-09 in the first half.
"We would have been disappointed to conceded a goal so deep into injury time," manager Kenny admitted to RTÉ Sport afterwards.
"Alan made a really good save for the penalty."
"We hadn't conceded a goal in the last four matches, and to concede three goals in the first half was a little disappointing.
"At the same time, it didn't stop Dublin's momentum. Every time they conceded a goal, they went up and got a couple of points. They kept driving on at all stages."
Elsewhere, in 1B on Sunday, Carlow's draw with Laois means that they can guarantee their place in the top tier next year by beating Offaly. The Faithful County's hammering by Galway leaves them on zero points with a -56 scoring difference.
A win for Carlow would require Laois to beat Dublin or face Offaly again in the relegation play-off.
"The way Offaly are going at the moment, Carlow should have enough confidence to get over that, which puts Laois in a bit of a hole," former Tipperary star Brendan Cummins told RTÉ's Allianz League Sunday.
"Everyone would have thought Carlow were going to get hammered in all these League games but Colm Bonnar, the job he has done down there, a draw with Galway, a draw again (with Laois), they're street fighters.
"Who's to say they won't beat Offaly next weekend and get themselves out of trouble?"
