Carey: Playing an extra defender would be a mistake

DJ CAREY insists it would be a mistake for Kilkenny to play an extra defender to combat Tipperary’s forward line tomorrow. Dublin showed just how to curb some of the All-Ireland champions’ attacking threat by crowding out the half-forward line in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Carey doesn’t believe Brian Cody will adopt such a tactic but acknowledges Dublin identified a way to stop Tipperary from scoring goals. However the Cats legend is adamant the only way Kilkenny will win is by playing 15 against 15.

“If I was advising any team — and I’m not going to advise Brian Cody — I would say man-to-man, that’s the way you play,” said Carey. “Because that’s hurling.

“You’ll win by scoring more than the other team. This thing about playing a sweeper — and I know Dublin have adopted it a good bit — you’re probably conceding less scores but by Jesus you’re not scoring as much.

“I think it would be a mistake. I would have to think that wouldn’t be something in Brian Cody’s thinking.

“Now, I’m only guessing but I don’t believe it would be in his thoughts.

“To play a two-man full-forward line against three full-backs... I hate it because I’m a forward. I absolutely hate it because it’s too difficult. The idea Dublin contained Tipperary? Yes, you could say it worked to a certain amount but Tipp still won because Dublin didn’t score enough at the other end.”

Carey fancies Tipperary to retain the Liam MacCarthy Cup but knows the hunger of his former team-mates is strong following last year’s final defeat. He is just as aware time is on the side of the champions and Kilkenny have been on the road a long time. As regards the possibility of getting a third consecutive classic final, the Young Irelands man believes the ingredients are still there to make the game just as good as the 2009 and 2010 affairs.

“The one thing is the two teams play a great brand of hurling — tough, hard, closing down the opponent quickly but playing openly as well. Either team can open you up in a flash. It’s very difficult. I would be hopeful we’d get a big one again. I also think we’ll get a performance from Kilkenny from the point of view that they have Henry, Eddie Brennan, Noel Hickey, JJ Delaney and they’ve been around a long, long time.

“I’m not saying they’re going to be gone after tomorrow and Tipperary are that bit younger. But I see a huge drive from this Kilkenny team.”