Tommy Fitzgerald's side complete the group phase away to London this weekend.
Laois Manager Tommy Fitzgerald says he was surprised by how much Down were written off before their Joe McDonagh clash.
The O'Moore County sealed their third win on the bounce with a 4-28 to 0-27 win in Portlaoise on Saturday.
Aaron Dunphy finished with 3-5, with all three goals coming in the second half, while Stephen "Picky" Maher ended with eight points.
The win leaves Laois on the brink of reaching their third decider in a row.
Fitzgerald says Down are a team on the rise:
Midlands 103s Jack Nolan spoke to Tommy Fitzgerald after the game:
Elsewhere, Westmeath suffered their third defeat in a row after they were beaten 2-29 to 2-20 by Antrim on Saturday evening.
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