CORK V LIMERICK

Tonight (7pm): Pairc Ui Chaoimh, S Stack (Dublin) GAAGO

CORK have to come out fighting. Lose and they’re out of the Championship. Tipp brought that desperation to Waterford last weekend, and escaped with a draw. Cork’s predicament is far more serious. Limerick have two wins out of two, overwhelming Clare in the final quarter and hammering Tipperary by 15 points. They’ve had a two-week break, and are ideally positioned here, but sustaining those motivation levels could prove tricky. With four points out of four and a +18 scoring average they’re almost certainly already qualified, barring a big hammering along the line, which looks unlikely. Their final round tie is at home to Waterford, while Cork finish at Tipperary. Centre back Kieran Joyce is a doubt for Cork and the loss would be a blow. Cork shipped 2-24 in their first round defeat by Waterford. Pat Ryan made six changes and they still conceded 3-26 against Clare. Not knowing their best team, let alone settling on one that has played together for a while, is a major concern. Two red cards and a black along the way — the Damien Cahalane red was harsh — hasn’t helped. A fortnight to sort out a new defensive system is unlikely, so they require a huge intensity to their defending all over the park that doesn’t boil over into frees and cards. They look good going forward, but not so hot going back. Ryan may have been beating them with this stick. Alan Connolly’s goalscoring form offers hope, while Declan Dalton brought more badly needed physicality against Clare. The drive of Brian Roche from last year is being missed. Páirc Ui Chaoimh is likely to be packed out for the first do or die championship game of the year. Cork have to respond with an out of their skins display. They might just get it here.