How can Cork counter Kelly in the six-and-a-half zone?

Cork have struggled in this championship with their delivery of short puckouts to their corner-backs on the sidelines. There has been a disconnection between the man in possession and defensive colleagues, hindering the link-up and transitioning of possession to the Rebel attack.

It is always a major play when opponents shut down defenders in possession or force them into errors and there is always a huge response from supporters, who know the value of such plays. In contrast to their tactics in last year’s final, I expect Clare’s midfield and forwards to push up on their opponents on Rebel restarts.

Anthony Nash needs to play a ‘quarterback’ role to ensure that Cork benefit as much as possible from his puckouts. If a corner- or full-back receives from Nash, the Clare attacker on that side will move to cut off any advancement. The keeper must then make himself available to take the return and drive out through the channel between the full-back and his corner colleague.