Five crucial match-ups between Limerick and Waterford in Munster Senior Hurling Championship

LEADER SPORT'S Paul Shaughnessy takes a look at five crucial match-ups from the likely line-ups in this weekend's round three Munster Senior Hurling Championship clash between Limerick and Waterford. 

Sean Finn v Dessie Hutchinson

John Kiely has drafted Sean Finn back into the Limerick starting XV. Finn has replaced Barry Murphy at corner back and the Bruff clubman is likely to pick up Waterford's Dessie Hutchinson on Saturday evening. The four time All-Star defender's pace and intensity in the tackle will provide plenty of challenges for Dessie Hutchinson. The Waterford captain was on target with 0-2 in his side's victory over Clare last weekend. 

Barry Nash v Stephen Bennett

Barry Nash has made the switch out to wing back this weekend. Nash is as comfortbale on the ball as he is defending and it looks as if the South Liberties clubman will be handed the job of man marking Waterford sharpshooter Stephen Bennett. Bennett was on fire in Waterford's round one victory scoring 2-8 and he will take some watching against Limerick. He is likely to drift inside and out the pitch this weekend. 

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William O'Donoghue v Jamie Barron 

After lining out at number six in round one, John Kiely has made the decision to relocate William O'Donoghue back into midfield. O'Donoghue brings huge energy around the middle third and the Limerick vice-captain intensity in the tackle will be key. Jamie Barron has been one of Waterford's most consistent performers over the last number of years and O'Donoghue will look to stop the Waterford midfielder in Walsh Park. 

Cian Lynch v Tadhg de Búrca 

Limerick captain Cian Lynch has made the move into attack this weekend. Lynch stepped up creating some key scores in Limerick's draw with Tipp in round one. Tadhg de Búrca has excelled in the number six role for the 'Deise' county, at stages De Búrca will sit back to protect his defence. This is where Lynch needs to go deep to win ball and force De Búrca to push out and follow him. 

Shane O'Brien v Conor Prunty

Shane O'Brien was immense providing the Munster champions an outlet on the edge of the square scoring 1-4 in the Munster SHC opener. Aaron Gillane and Shane O'Brien are starting to develop a relationship as a potent two-man full-forward line. It's now looking like Shane O'Brien has made his breakthrough onto the Limerick starting XV. Waterford manager Peter Queally managed O'Brien at club level and he will feel that full back Conor Prunty is the best man to pick up the Limerick attacker.