You don’t have to look back far to find out what you can expect from today’s National Hurling League final.

It’s common practice to make your team feel relaxed ahead of big games, especially in Semple Stadium, but there’s a difference between that and being tuned out.

At this stage of the league semi-finals the remaining team managers have different needs.

1. The format has worked

The last time Cork hurlers appeared in Páirc Uí Rinn they served up champagne style hurling when defeating Tipperary.

The main questions exercising the minds of Cork fans before their opening game of the league surrounded the defence.

Skill and discipline are the main ingredients in any successful side but top class work-rate and effort are also vital components.

Developing hurling is like building a pyramid. When I look at the hurling scene in Kilkenny I get the impression their activities are co-ordinated and energies are channelled into inter-county success, the pinnacle of their pyramid.

Were Cork schools always strong in Munster colleges competitions? How accurate is this perception?

Last Sunday’s Munster club SHC final ebbed and flowed throughout the first half with marvellous commitment, skill and scores.