Dublin up to speed but Cats are a far stiffer challenge

If the Allianz Division 1 table was based solely on physical and hurling preparation rather than results, Dublin would still be top. 

Manager Ger Cunningham knew the importance of a good first outing. He had them well prepared.

Midfielder Shane Durkin has spoken of the months of preparation banked and Dublin’s attitude, application and, crucially, their first touch was well ahead of the normal standard for a first league outing.

Chief among Cunningham’s strategic changes is the repositioning of Liam Rushe to full-forward, his original intercounty position.

Conal Keaney has moved from attack to defence, Peter Kelly is now at centre-back with Michael Carton slotting into Kelly’s former full-back position. These changes can only become permanent if the players feel confident and comfortable.

The re-jig may not work entirely for Ger Cunningham come summer, but all he needs at present is that the changes work for him in spring.

Last weekend was a good start but Kilkenny provide a stiffer challenge. The enthusiastic display Walter Walsh served up against Cork was in total contrast to his All-Ireland final outing.

If Walsh can play with the same enthusiasm and commitment he displayed on Leeside, where he dropped back into midfield regularly, he will provide a big test for Dublin’s new centre-back.

Kelly was allowed to play the traditional centre-back role last weekend. The need to follow his man to midfield opens space in front of goal, providing less cover for colleague Carton.

If Richie Hogan plays corner forward on young Cian O’Callaghan and gets a good supply, the Dublin management will have a much better idea of their overall defensive capabilities than they had last weekend.

Kilkenny will, as usual, close Dublin down quickly and attempt to force the errors on which they thrive. Dublin build from the back with keeper Alan Nolan in a quarter-back role, regularly making himself available for backpasses.

A goalkeeper has a better view and more time to pick out a colleague than a beleaguered defender.

Closing Nolan down, or at least getting tight on his ‘outlet’ receivers could disrupt the Dubs, who used this tactic effectively last week to get good ball from defence to their forwards.

This could limit good ball to the impressive Rushe, who is a key targetman for Dublin. This is an important game for the development of the Dubs.

It is also important for the Cats but only in the context of the challenge they may face from the Metropolitans next July.

By rule, Tipp were only allowed to train from January 1. Preparation-wise they were at a distinct disadvange last Sunday.

Tipp manager Eamon O’Shea admitted hurling skills are being practised just once a week at present. This explained their poor first touch.

Only John O’Dwyer, who is hurling with CIT in the Fitzgibbon, looked up to speed.

Tipp’s first requirement this past week was more ball-work and O’Shea could do worse than hand the frees to O’Dwyer until Séamus Callanan gets into the groove later on. A better conversion rate from placed balls would have kept them in the game last weekend.

Galway go to Thurles on the back of two good recent victories and although Tipp have only lost one of their last eight league outings to the Tribesmen, all the pressure is on the Blue and Gold.

Tipp are looking further down the road than the league but an improved display is imperative in front of their own supporters. Tipp need this win more than their opponents as another loss will see them near the border of relegation land.

Galway have an eager, settled side at present. Having fallen away in last year’s championship against the same opposition, they will be on a mission of atonement, always a good motivator.

Anthony Cunningham will have targeted this game for at least a point.

Ahead of the game in Páirc Uí Rinn, Clare’s marquee star Tony Kelly is troubled by a hamstring injury, a definite plus for the Rebels. Cork have selected the same full-back line which is good man-management.

All three could have been replaced the last day, but now have another chance to impress.

I would favour Damien Cahalane operating at full-back as he has more experience there than Christopher Joyce, who is more at home in the half-back line.

Overall, Cork will have to dig in and remember the first line of defence begins with number 15. Tackling back and clogging up the supply lines, for as long as it takes, to limit quality ball to Clare’s dangermen Conor McGrath and Shane O’Donnell must be the defensive strategy.

Managers are usually pleased with good performances or unearthing a player or two for the future. It’s different tonight. JBM and Davy Fitzgerald need to win by any means or any margin. It’s as simple as that.

In Division 1B, Limerick will have targeted this game against Antrim for a big win, similar to last year.

The plan will be to run up a big score early to knock the heart out of the Saffrons, as a win with a big score is as good as three points.

Waterford beat Laois in championship last year and Laois learn lessons well. It could be tricky for the Deise where a home win is essential. A big score difference might be a bridge too far.