Clare manager Brian Lohan conceded Waterford were the better team in their Munster SHC clash today but he is hoping to have some of his walking wounded back for Tipperary in two weeks' time.
The Déise were big underdogs against the All-Ireland champions at Walsh Park but recorded a first win over their provincial rivals in five years on a 2-23 to 0-21 scoreline.
"Disappointing to lose the game but you have to give credit to Waterford," Lohan told RTÉ Sport.
"Good performance from them. They were clinical and got their scores a little bit easier than what we did.
"A significant breeze and we thought we were in a reasonable position at half-time (0-13 to 0-10 behind).
"Having said that, our touch wasn't as good as what it could have been. Spilled a couple of balls, which is never a good sign. In the second half, it just didn't go well for us."
Clare lost five-time All-Star Tony Kelly to illness before the game, adding to the absences of regular starters Conor Cleary, Diarmuid Ryan and Hurler of the Year Shane O'Donnell.
Having taken only one point from their first two games, the holders will now need at least three from their meetings with Tipp and familiar foes Limerick to make the knockout stages.
"We'd be hoping to get a couple of guys back," said Lohan. "So we'll just take our beating now and move on."
Peter Queally, who is in his first year as Waterford manager, having been a selector under Davy Fitzgerald, revealed he had put a big emphasis on winning points at home.
"It's all about the home games," he said. "Our two home fixtures were, on paper, very tough fixtures, against the All-Ireland champions and against Limerick.
"But when we set out our stall, it was all about getting results at home and the away games will look after themselves.
"It was very important and it does add a bit of pressure when you're at home in your first game. We're thrilled to put up a performance at home, but also to get the result."
Man of the match Stephen Bennett admits victories like today over Clare make the sacrifices worthwhile
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Queally hailed matchwinner Stephen Bennett (2-08, 4fs), whose second-half brace of goals (one from a penalty) tipped the scales in Waterford's favour.
The Ballysaggart star had four hip operations by the time he was 20 and the 29-year-old admits that the persistent problem led him to consider retirement over the winter.
But his manager and Waterford supporters will be relieved that he didn't.
"Stevie's a phenomenal fella," said Queally. "Since I got involved, I'm astounded what the man can do.
"Not because of his hurling ability but because of the way he has to curtail his training. The work that he gets through every day. He goes on the field, then takes the week off to recover and then goes again. So nothing but admiration for Steve.
"I would've put it down as one of Stephen's quieter games. He'd be the first to admit that, his standards are high. But 2-08 is a fair return."
Waterford have little time to bask in the glory of today's upset. They face a Limerick side next Saturday - the only senior hurling fixture of the weekend - who will have had a fortnight to recover from their draw in Tipperary.
"A lot of this evening will be about focusing on six days' time," said Queally. "It's a very quick turnaround, so we have to recover.
"We have to focus on recovery now, getting our energy levels back up, getting the emotion back down again and getting set for another home game?
"If it was an away game, maybe not so much, but we have to get something out of our home games. So next Saturday night is a huge one for us."
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