THE SWEEPER FACTOR

IN last year’s Munster final, Tadhg de Búrca sat very deep, almost on top of the full-back line which made it easier for Tipperary to take him out of the game. This year, he has been so influential around the halfback line. Brilliant in the air, it’s his ability to pick out the pass that has also impressed. In the qualifier against Kilkenny, he had 31 possessions which is huge.

Galway are happy to play the game any which way. Aidan Harte will find himself in oceans of space. He’s such a natural hurler. Even when man-on-man, he has that ability to get forward. A loose man can do a lot of damage so Galway’s use of the ball will be interesting. Expect to see Conor Whelan and Conor Cooney criss-crossing inside. Their movement will be crucial.