Tipp’s tactical ploy to disturb Déise’s sweeper

Eight counties left, a hurling measure soon to be six.

Last Sunday considerably raised the stakes for this Sunday. Victory for Tipperary or Waterford means not just a Munster title but also sidestepping an All-Ireland semi-final with Kilkenny (presuming the All-Ireland quarter-final is negotiated, which is not to be presumed).

Do not underestimate this motivation. The champions’ form last weekend was unexpectedly strong. Who would want to confront this threat unless successfully doing so meant lifting the Liam MacCarthy Cup?