Classy Kilkenny give Tipp a roasting

Kilkenny 3-15, Tipperary 1-7

The Munster champions paraded John Boland in his regular wing back berth following his High Court success earlier in the week when he succeeded in having a four-week match ban lifted. That was the extent of the Toomevara player's success and, having struggled like so many of his colleagues in a vain attempt to curtail a rampant opposition, he was eventually substituted 13 minutes into the second half.

All round this was a tour de force display by a Kilkenny side that looked a class act in every sector of the field. Tipperary succeeded in staying with them for more than 20 minutes, twice in fact easing into a two point lead, but once Kilkenny struck for their opening goal in the 24th minute the alarm bells were ringing loudly all over the field for the Munster champions.