John Kiely expecting 'unusual positionings' against Waterford

John Kiely believes Limerick will have to show all of the flexibility and adaptability that has made them three-in-a-row All-Ireland champions when they open their title defence against Waterford on Sunday.

The Treaty steamrolled their way to a Division 1 league title and with a cleaner bill of health and deepening squad resources, they are favourites to collect a record-equalling fifth consecutive Munster title.

But in Waterford, Kiely sees opponents who will test his troops in a way they haven't experienced so far this year.

"It'll be different to what we've had in terms of the set-up will be different. Davy [Fitzgerald] sets his teams up differently," he said.

"There's far more fluidity to the set-up of the opposition so we're going to have to be flexible, we're going to have to be adaptable, and we're going to have to cope with some unusual positionings on the field.

"But some things won't change. The Waterford team are extremely skilled individuals, a lot of really great hurlers. They're physically very strong. They're very experienced.

"They've been around the block now the last five or six years with us in tandem and we've had some great battles with them. They have forwards well able to score and again they have a penchant for goals.

"There's a huge challenge coming on the 23rd. Those first-round games are very important in terms of setting the tone and there's a lot at stake."

Limerick’s resilience is another fundamental principle Kiely reaches for when discussing his side and their ability to shrug off injury-enforced absentees.

They won the league final against Kilkenny despite captain Declan Hannon and Kyle Hayes' late withdrawals, plus a suspension for William O’Donoghue.

"Most injuries occur in training, in-house.