Galway v Waterford Croke Park, 3.45

Make-Or-Break time again for Waterford, only this time there is no fall-back route. In one championship season, Waterford's hurlers have managed to redress the stigma of "losers" and re-emerge as a team of substance.

No other team has played as much hurling this summer. The question is, will that help or hinder them in their Guinness All-Ireland quarter-final against Galway tomorrow? The GAA called its documentary to celebrate their centenary in 1984 Sunday After Sunday and, even if it is 14 years later, Waterford will confirm that the story remains the same as they contemplate their third championship match in three Sundays.

By contrast, Galway approach this match after just one championship match - a routine win over Roscommon two weeks ago - which merely suggested the need to crank up the engine a gear or two. Galway are masters of fine-tuning the motor in time for the real business, and that time arrives tomorrow.

Waterford's preparations deviated from the norm this past week. Last Sunday's Munster final replay defeat to Clare left too many scars, so the management decided one light training session would be sufficient. The hope is that the team will enter this match with renewed freshness and hunger. There are two changes in the team: Michael White was sent off against Clare and his place is taken by Sean Daly, while Sean Cullinane returns after injury to take over the full back position, with Mark O'Sullivan dropping to the substitutes' bench.

Galway have also made two changes: Liam Burke and Joe McGrath have been recalled in place of Martin Kenny and Francis Forde. Burke will partner Michael Coleman in midfield and their territorial battle with Tony Browne - his body allegedly "black and blue" from last Sunday's game - and Peter Queally could be crucial. If Waterford are to rediscover winning ways, they'll badly need the leadership, artistry and general stubbornness of Browne, who has been one of hurling's outstanding players this season.

Indeed, the physical trials - rather than the psychological ones - of their encounters with Clare could determine whether Waterford progress to a semi-final meeting with Kilkenny. Apart from Browne and Queally, full forward Alan Kirwan has been nursing an injury and, of course, Cullinane is only back after injury.

Galway's win over Roscommon was expected, but there were questions raised about the side's defensive merits. Roscommon scored three goals and goalkeeper Richie Burke will demand far more protection from his full-back line, in particular. Indeed, the Galway defence can expect a stern test, with two of the country's best young players, Ken McGrath and Paul Flynn, among the Waterford forwards.

McGrath's form over the past two weeks hasn't quite lived up to the standard he set in preceding matches. Yet he remains a valuable asset. Likewise, Flynn - adept from play and with his free-taking - will need to be closely marshalled.

Galway's trump cards lie in attack. Daragh Coen is a forward of considerable ability and, although bedevilled by injuries, Kevin Broderick also has the ability to turn a game. Joe Rabbitte's reversion to full forward should ensure an interesting duel with Cullinane.

Waterford's half-back line will have enormous responsibility. They must ensure they don't give too much space to their opponents and their half backs, Stephen Frampton and Brian Greene, who have been outstanding all season, will have potentially match-winning duels with Broderick and Alan Kerins respectively.

One team possibly over-hurled, the other possibly underhurled - the twain shall meet tomorrow, and the prospect is an absorbing one. The suspicion exists that Waterford have the fortitude to get over the setback of last Sunday and to use the benefits of match fitness to ensure that their hurling odyssey of 1998 continues.

Waterford: B Landers; T Feeney, S Cullinane, B Flannery; S Frampton, F Hartley, B Greene; T Browne, P Queally; D Shanahan, K McGrath, D Bennett; S Daly, A Kirwan, P Flynn.

Galway: R Burke; G Kennedy, L Hodgins, B Feeney; P Kelly, V Maher, P Hardiman; M Coleman, L Burke; A Kerins, J McGrath, K Broderick; D Coen, J Rabbitte, O Fahy.