Paddy Stapleton believes that Waterford will win the All Ireland hurling final, and joined OTB AM to tell us why.
Stapleton believes the Déise have what it takes to stop a generational Limerick side.
Asked whether he was tipping Waterford for the title, Paddy spoke of his feeling that the unique set of circumstances play to their advantage.
"I am. The last few years in hurling, sports psychology has come on so much in terms of controlling what you can control, and also with the water breaks.
"I think there is going to be a lot more control for Liam Cahill and his selectors to keep the focus right throughout the 70 minutes.
"I know from when we played in '09, if we'd had out water break against Kilkenny that day that maybe we would have pushed it over the line."
Why Waterford will win
There is also a benefit to the crowds not being at Croke Park, according to Stapleton.
"To keep their systems right, to keep the way you're playing, to keep your discipline. All of that, we could have shored it up a lot, lot more.
"I think there are a couple of advantages [to Waterford] - even if you are thinking about players on the field being able to speak to each other and keeping each other on task, it is a lot easier with a house that isn't packed."
'Primal'
"I just think there are a few things in their favour, and they are hurling with a bit of a primal instinct.
"I'm not being a hurling snob here, but with other sports you can control the ball and the way you play a lot easier. The motor skills aren't as fine.
"But with hurling, one slip up or mishandle, then the game could be blown up.
"I think [Waterford] have that at the minute. Limerick are a brilliant team but I think they are hurling within themselves. Everyone is waiting for this massive performance but, even though they are getting huge results [...] I just think you can be waiting and waiting.
"I think Waterford are proving that in the last two or three games."
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