Kilkenny have the class to stave off Treaty offensive

Well, it’s fair to say Kilkenny think they know what’s coming.

Brian Cody said earlier in the week that “nothing surprises him” about Limerick. Eoin Larkin is fully expecting a physical battle tomorrow.

That is exactly what they will get, according to the word coming from the Limerick camp. Selector Davy Clarke has been cajoling the troops since they breezed past Wexford. The manner in which Podge Doran was able to ease his way through the middle for a first-half shot in Thurles was highlighted and the defence were told in no uncertain terms that it could not be repeated.

Seamus Hickey has been reminded of what happened to him against Eddie Brennan in 2007. As if he needed to be retold.

But players are also believed to have spoken openly about how they were outmuscled in the 2012 All-Ireland quarter-final in Thurles and the word “atonement” has been used by sources close to the camp.

Shoulders will be plentiful but if Kilkenny consider that Limerick are just fire and brimstone then they are mistaken. Their mobility and ability to create and take scores is something the Cats have yet not faced in a Limerick side.

Kilkenny have rarely traded on their name but it’s not there anymore. The fear they engendered in the opposition has been replaced by respect.

What they sell themselves on now is honest graft, eg Eoin Larkin’s end-to-end exploits. The work-rate in annexing the Leinster championship was hugely impressive. Richie Hogan’s development into the player everybody in Kilkenny expected him to be has been a belated triumph. He’ll relish the challenge in midfield even if it is against a Limerick duo that are just as aggressive as they are fast.

TJ Reid also looks light years away from the impact substitute he was a few years ago but can expect to be marshalled closely as his reputation grows.

Tommy Walsh’s awareness and ability to pick a pass and a score is a fine alternative to Hogan.

Pressure on the Limerick half-back line is likely to be led by him.

A side that fashioned 50 scores in just over 70 minutes against Wexford, Limerick have broken their age-old stereotype. Here is a gilt-edged opportunity to break Kilkenny but it may just be out of their reach due to a lack of depth. Kilkenny by two.

* Verdict: Kilkenny