All the protagonists for this year’s All-Ireland have dipped their toes in the water at this stage.

Tipperary’s superb first touch, commitment, control of the midfield/halfback area and the slick movement up front of John ‘Bubbles’ Dwyer, John McGrath and Seamus Callanan posed massive challenges for Cork on Sunday.

A lack of defensive fundamentals, rather than opponents’ creativity, often decides a game. Cork must be robust but flexible at the back in Thurles, writes Donal O’Grady.

The Waterford and Clare systems have effectively retired the position of full-forward, writes Donal O’Grady

Prior to the weekend certain question marks hung over the Waterford camp.

This weekend only five hurling managers of the 10 involved will really feel the pressure, writes Donal O’Grady.