Cork to cope with pressure in Croker cauldron
Eoghan Cormican: Which side carries greater momentum, Cork having ended their barren run in Munster or Tipperary following three wins on the hop in the qualifiers?
Donal O’Grady: The Munster final was five weeks ago and the momentum from that victory is gone. Tipperary’s last two games were against Dublin and Offaly and they wouldn’t have been a huge help to them. It did allow them to get back on track, however. You probably could say Tipperary have the momentum given the run of matches they have had of late. I expect Cork will be rusty out of the blocks, but as long as you don’t allow your mind-set to be affected by talk of the length of time to your last championship game then you won’t lose ground.
Eddie Brennan: There is no fear of happening to Cork what happened to Limerick 12 months ago. Looking at Tipperary in their first game, I genuinely thought they were destined for an early exit. They are moving along nicely now. They have real momentum behind them and we always feared a Tipperary team with the wind in their sails.
Nicky English: The Galway game was the turning point of their season. James Barry went back in at full-back and Padraig Maher came out. The game, and indeed, Tipperary’s season changed thereafter. They have had a good run of results, but I would question how tested they have been.
EC: Both managers predicted a shoot-out during their respective press evenings, is that what we are to expect?
EB: Oh definitely. The Tipperary forwards have really clicked of late. Lar Corbett and Seamus Callanan are back in the groove. This will be a battle of the defences. Tipp’s defence has been the leakier. They will have to get physical in a sensible manner. Both have free-takers bang on form so indiscipline will be punished.
DO’G: At this stage it is horses for courses. In the semi-final you set out in the first half to be still in the game at half-time. In the second half then you strike for home. Tipperary have the forwards to hurt Cork. Seamus Callanan has really matured as a hurler, not easy given the criticism he has shipped. You also have ‘Bonnar’ Maher, Noel McGrath and Lar Corbett. You could nearly match the six forwards on either side of each other. Consequently, it will depend on the quality of ball they are receiving. That shifts focus back the field. Midfield will be a key battle. James Woodlock has returned and loves to run with the ball, which enhances their forward options.
NE: Whoever gets a grip at midfield can dictate proceedings. Neither attack will be allowed flourish if the deliveries aren’t tailored to their needs. This Tipperary pairing will relish going in as underdogs to meet Kearney and Walsh.
EC: Tactically, what positional switches do you envisage?
EB: I think Cork will go after Padraig Maher at full-back. It was unfortunate for him against Galway that Jonathan Glynn got two goals and the game did change when he was taken out of the No 3 slot. Maher is not the best marker but he is excellent on the ball. He is capable of sending in good ball. I know in 2011 we specifically set out to stop him spraying delivery after delivery into open space for the Tipperary forwards to run on to. It will be interesting to see do they leave Padraig at full-back and Barry at centre-back. Seamus Harnedy is well capable of causing real damage on the edge of the square. The lads touched on the quality of delivery, but important to note also is how clever are your runners in attack. I don’t think Alan Cadogan is the best man to win a 50/50 ball.
DO’G: The Cork midfield have shaded every other midfield paring this summer, the first Waterford game aside. Aidan Walsh was playing very well and then he had to go back to the football for a number of weeks. He had a couple of weeks of unbroken hurling and his touch was exceptional.
NE: The two centre-forwards will have important roles in making inroads on the respective defences. Bill Cooper is working selflessly and not getting the credit he deserves. Bonnar struggled last year and it just wasn’t clicking for him. This year his sharpness is back. The ball is flying into his hand. People underestimate his skill levels.
EB: Bonnar is the most annoying forward to come up against, and that is a compliment. A relentless worker.
DO’G: I genuinely think this game, given how nothing separates the two teams, will come down to a bounce of a ball, a mistake.
NE: I think you create your own luck as Kilkenny did last weekend. Work-rate will play a big role. Last Sunday, it was remarkable to see how hard Kilkenny worked given all the medals in the back pocket. Their work-rate got them over the line.
EC: How improved is this Cork rearguard given the new faces introduced?
NE: Last year their defence was exposed. Clare were allowed far too much space and time on the ball. They were deficient at full-back and centre-back. Both areas have been addressed and there is a much more solid look about their defence.
EB: The management obviously sat down and had a look at defence. Joyce going out on the wing has given him more freedom. In the Clare match this year, there were Clare forwards going all over the place. The Cork backs followed there every step and were glued to them.
EC: So, who’s going to advance?
NE: The real attraction of Cork and Tipperary is the unpredictability of it. Cork have been my fancy from the start of the year to win the All-Ireland, but I think Tipperary are a huge banana skin. I would have Cork as favourites.
EB: I am annoyed I didn’t take Cork up at 8/1 to win the All-Ireland earlier this year. They are on a mission. Cork, by a whisker.
DO’G: Tipperary have learned from the Limerick fixture and now have their best team on the field. Cork are anxious to get back to the final. Cork to shade it.
EC: Eoghan Cormican
DO’G: Donal O’Grady
EB: Eddie Brennan
NE: Nicky English
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