Corbett returns to Tipp attack for Cork showdown

IT’S A big weekend on the Allianz Hurling League front. In the first division especially, six teams are still in with a chance of making the final and all involved in games against each other, while the remaining two teams – Wexford and Offaly – meet in what will probably be the relegation decider.

Tipperary and Cork face off in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, with Tipp forced into a number of changes from their big win over Offaly last time out. All-Stars Eoin Kelly (finger) and Brendan Maher (ankle) are both ruled out through injury, while Eddie Connolly and Paul Kelly are rested; into their places come Padraic Maher, Shane McGrath, Shane Bourke and 2010 hurler-of-the-year Lar Corbett, who came on as a half-time sub against Offaly but is making his first start of the year here. Shane Bourke is another who came on as a sub against Offaly, but in his case it’s a league debut for Tipperary.

Cork have made even more changes from their last match, a one-point away loss to Waterford, but in this case they are all voluntary, manager Denis Walsh taking the knife to every line bar goalkeeper and midfield. Eoin Cadogan and Shane Murphy come in for Eoin Dillon and Conor O’Sullivan in the full-back line. Ronan Curran is back at centre-back. Cathal Naughton starts in place of Niall McCarthy at wing-forward, while Michael Cussen and Ben O’Connor replace Paudie O’Sullivan and Patrick Horgan respectively. Lorcan McLoughlin and Pa Cronin remain as they were in midfield, the experienced Jerry O’Connor again held in reserve.