Waterford boss Liam Cahill hit out at his side’s performance in defeat to Cork, saying his players “decided to down tools”.
Waterford looked to be on course for a victory that was widely expected against their winless opponents after twice building a four-point lead against the wind in the first half but they were swamped by a hungrier Cork side, who went on to win by six in the end.
Waterford’s Championship fate now hinges on whether Cahill’s native Tipperary can do them a favour against Cork next weekend.
Cahill said: "We weren't good enough, simple as. We hurled like a car on dirty petrol, just chugging along. Just not acceptable. Not acceptable to the big Waterford support that came here. It's terribly, bitterly disappointing."
He continued: "We didn't hurl together as a team. We didn't commit to what we said we would commit to when we came out.
“We had the advantage at times where we kicked on by four points and looked like we were going about our business properly and then just decided to down tools and let Cork back into the game.
“We've a lot of work to do to get our heads around this to go to Ennis in seven days' time. It's going to take a lot of soul searching and a lot of honesty to come out here over the next seven days or we'll have a good long summer to think about it."
However, Cahill insisted that he retains “great belief” in the players as they bid to rescue their season.
“I've always said that. I'm here, I'm in the trenches with them now, that's what I signed up to and I will help them every way I can. I can't wait to get stuck into them during the week.
“We'll try and fix what went wrong and we'll come to Ennis with all guns blazing to try and keep the summer alive for everyone here in Waterford."
Cork boss Kieran Kingston meanwhile paid tribute to Patrick Horgan’s achievement as his four pointed frees moved him past Joe Canning as the all-time Championship top scorer on 22-505.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Kingston. “To have done what he has done, for hurling, and not just in Cork. And what he continues to do.
“And nationally, a player who has only played in two All-Ireland finals throughout his career, but still has that record of scoring – it’s an incredible achievement. An incredible achievement.
“We all express our congratulations and thanks, for what he has done and what he continues to do.”
