Kilkenny once built a formidable reputation at home in the Allianz National League, putting together a 14-game winning run at Nowlan Park. In recent seasons, however, that aura has faded. The gap between the Cats and the teams that travel to face them no longer feels as wide as it once did.

The match will be broadcast live on WLR, thanks to George Corbett Cupra.

Waterford head to Nowlan Park this Sunday full of confidence. Peter Queally’s side has secured back-to-back league wins and welcomes several key players back into the fold. The return of the Ballygunner contingent, along with Stephen Bennett and Jack Prendergast, strengthens their hand significantly.

Kilkenny come into the game on the back of a defeat to Limerick. On that occasion, they relied heavily on Eoin Cody to carry the scoring threat. Questions also remain around TJ Reid and how much he has left in the tank at this level.

This fixture has changed in recent years. Kilkenny versus Waterford is now a far tighter contest. Very little separates the sides. Some even argue that if the counties swapped provincial championships, Kilkenny might struggle to emerge from Munster, while Waterford could contend strongly in Leinster. That debate, of course, lives in the realm of hypotheticals.

Call this Kilkenny team a side in transition or the start of a new era — either way, it feels different from the Brian Cody years. That is no slight on Derek Lyng, who is a capable manager. He simply does not have the once-in-a-generation group that defined the previous era.

Still, Kilkenny are Kilkenny. They remain physical, direct, and extremely difficult to beat at home. The question is whether Waterford can seize the moment this weekend.

The bookmakers make Kilkenny favourites at 8/11, with Waterford priced at 6/4. On current form, many will feel the value lies with the visitors.