Numbers game points to a Kilkenny victory

So there we were, on the seventh level of the Hogan Stand three weeks ago.

Galway thoughtfully and patiently compiling a lead in the first half, Kilkenny responding by lorrying the ball back as hard and as straight as they could. Never mind the lack of width (and wit) or absence of angles, see the length of those clearances!

“They’ve no Plan B,” declared the man from the Nenagh Guardian of the defending champions. Pause. “Then again, seeing as Plan A has worked so well for them over the years...”