Today’s Previews
MUNSTER SHC ROUND 5 Clare v Waterford Cusack Park, Ennis, 4pm (RTE1) Ref: P O’Dwyer (Carlow)
There’s no escaping how Waterford have failed to handle the pressure of expectations thus far.
After winning the Allianz League title with such verve, the first round against Tipperary was a nervy performance and they were off the pace again in the vital home game against Cork, lacking their usual dynamism in the middle third, starving Dessie Hutchinson of possession and missing frees.
A chance then to redeem themselves against a Clare side who have already qualified for the Munster final – and, even still, they need Tipperary to do them a favour and beat Cork. Verdict: Waterford
Tipperary v Cork
FBD Semple Stadium, 4pm (RTÉ2)
Ref: S Stack (Dublin)
It’s more than the mathematical possibility of qualification that will keep Tipperary honest for this. Colm Bonnar won’t want a whitewash beside his name as manager, not after showing such pride against Limerick and a far better defensive shape.
Cork, though, found a much more effective balance between short ball and long against Waterford and have key players like Mark Coleman, Darragh Fitzgibbon and Séamus Harnedy back in top form.
Verdict: Cork
All-Ireland U20 HC final (ET & winner on the day) Kilkenny v Limerick
FBD Semple Stadium, 1.30pm (TG4)
Ref: T Walsh (Waterford)
Right now, the rest of the hurling world can only sit back and admire Limerick’s class.
Even shorn of the services of bright young star Cathal O’Neill – ineligible since appearing for the seniors, a bizarre anomaly for such a blue-chip competition – Limerick have shown so much of the organisation and style of their senior contemporaries so far.
Verdict: Limerick