Justin McCarthy: Tipperary flop means Cork’s true worth still unknown

Justin McCarthy says the true worth of this Cork team is still unknown given Tipperary “flopped” in last month’s Munster quarter-final.

The 1966 All-Ireland medal winner believes Sunday’s clash with Waterford will provide a far clearer picture as to the potential of Kieran Kingston’s side. Where Tipperary afforded Cork the “freedom of Thurles”, McCarthy knows Waterford will pack their defence in a bid to stifle the Rebel forwards.

Each of Cork’s starting six forwards were on the scoresheet during the 2-27 to 1-26 win over Tipperary, amassing 1-21 from play between them. And while McCarthy described the win as “a step in the right direction”, he says expectation should be tempered until Horgan, Harnedy and co have survived 70 minutes within the environs of a “congested” Waterford rearguard.