Limerick can skirt Tipperary’s lynchpin

Limerick’s strengths are based on ball retention and clever transition from defence through good positioning and support running. Nickie Quaid’s puckouts are a strong starting point. He goes short at times but mixes it up and many of his restarts are delivered to precise landing areas on his half-forward line.

In their run to All-Ireland success last season, Quaid had a 70% retention rate. This is very impressive as a 50% retention rate is healthy. Two weeks ago, Tipp laid the platform for victory in the first half — their superior sharpness being a factor — as they disrupted the transition from Treaty’s short puckouts.