Three talking points as Kilkenny advance to another All-Ireland final

1 Experience still benefits

It can’t be bought and it’s impossible to replicate.

The first ball that came to Richie Hogan yesterday didn’t augur well for him — he was hooked and then took a shot that dropped short.

Hogan didn’t let that bother him and went on to give a tour de force. Waterford didn’t have that kind of know-how, and Croke Park is the only place you can learn it: that’ll stand to them.

2 Free-taking counts

In rugby a goal-kicker who can’t convert over 80% of his kicks is no good to an elite team, and the percentages are equally demanding now in hurling.

TJ Reid’s flawless dead-ball striking was a significant factor for his side in terms of their margin of victory; Maurice Shanahan’s equally impressive free-taking kept his team in contention almost single-handedly.

Next week’s semi-finalists have a hard act to follow.

3 Kilkenny’s substitutes.

You could argue that last year’s bench was probably the most decorated in the history of GAA, with the likes of Henry Shefflin, Aidan Fogarty et al practically clinking aloud when they fidgeted, given the All-Ireland medals they’d won.

The Cats don’t have the same firepower to call on now, and it would be unrealistic to imagine any team will ever have that kind of quality as subs in the future.

Brian Cody and his management team made just one change yesterday — will they have replacements of the necessary calibre for the All-Ireland final if needed?