Cork could face season of struggle

I was looking forward to this encounter all the week, given what happened when the sides last met.

Cork were embarrassed by the same opposition in last year’s championship and I was expecting the Rebels to come with all guns blazing. The hosts had eight survivors from the All-Ireland final while Cork had, arguably, their strongest available 15.

Cork’s pre-game routine has changed from last season but apart from the final 15 minutes, Cork lacked the urgency to win at this level.