Waterford's Noel Connors can see the funny side of the comparison with Donegal's football tactics.

Under Derek McGrath, the Deise have been accused of implementing a blanket style defence during the league but the 2010 All Star insists their game-plan is based on a high work-rate and a desire to get their hands on the ball.

"I was just told it was the Donegal way of playing hurling, and I was kind of laughing to myself," he said to The Irish Independent.

"It's the first time I really came across it. Obviously I knew there was players coming back the field and all that kind of stuff.

"But it's not the fact that we go out with the intention of being extremely defensive or anything like that.

"We go out with the want to get on the ball and really work hard so if that takes a corner-forward at times coming out to half-back and trying to get a block ... if it takes a half-forward going into the half-back line and winning a ball, that's what you have to do to win.

"I suppose Eoin Larkin is a prime example of an individual that's doing it for years."

Connors is looking forward to Sunday's semi-final tussle with Tipperary in Nowlan Park and is calling on all Waterford supporters to get behind the team.

"The only game we won last year in the championship was against Laois. I suppose it's like every other sport: when you're successful you follow your team and when you're kind of in a bad place you're reluctant enough to go to matches.

"This year has been the opposite - we've been successful in a few games and people have rowed in behind us.

"It has been great and definitely worth a point or two in every match to hear the crowd getting behind you.

"Talking to a few lads after the match it's fantastic and long may it last."

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