Limerick welcome Tipperary to the TUS Gaelic Grounds this Sunday where form would suggest it could be a more evenly contested affair than the recent history of this fixture.
Since the introduction of the round-robin in the Munster SHC, the Premier County have registered just a single win (2019). The six defeats - the teams played out a lively draw two years ago - include two Munster final defeats and an average losing margin of more than seven points.
Last April, they left the Gaelic Grounds after a crushing 15-point defeat.
Liam Cahill is continuing his rebuild and while league victories come with many caveats, lowering Limerick colours would be another boost after opening with a big win over Galway and a relatively comfortable victory over Wexford.
"They couldn't have asked for a better start to the league this year," former Wexford player Ursula Jacob told the RTÉ GAA podcast.
"There is a nice mix between youth and experience
"Darragh McCarthy in the full-forward line is catching a lot of attention. Even his confidence in taking penalties, which he has done in the last couple of games. On the other side of it, Jake Morris is showing huge leadership and that is something Tipp will need."
Anthony Daly agreed that he has liked what he has seen thus far from Tipp, suggesting that Cahill is a year further in getting his ideas across and testing the strength of the panel.
The Clare native argues the positioning of Mikey Breen in defence is key.
"It allows Eoghan Connolly to come out and he can score from distance. There were four debuts on Sunday (against Wexford). Oisín Donoghue (introduced at half-time) really caught the eye in Cashel’s run through Munster last year to an intermediate final.
"There is a lot to like."
Limerick arrive into the fixture on the back of a tempestuous draw with Cork on Leeside. John Kiely's men looked set for two points before a free, hotly contested by the visitors, was awarded deep into added time allowing the Rebels to snatch a draw.
As early assignments go, it was a decent gut check for the men looking to reclaim ultimate honours this year.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Jacob says the midfield battle in particular will have a significant influence on the outcome.
"We are more used to seeing Craig Morgan (pictured above) in defence, but I think he is thriving off the space and running game in midfield," she said.
"Willie Connors and himself have worked really well in midfield and it will be a really interesting battle against Limerick.
"Will O’Donoghue went off injured against Cork, maybe he won’t feature, but you have Adam English and other options around the middle.
"The last time Tipperary were in the Gaelic Grounds was not a happy experience, so that will be in the back of their minds.
"It’s been so long since Tipp have beaten Limerick in league or championship, they surely owe Limerick one at this stage."
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