Cork v Tipperary: Rebel hurlers might need to pick off their points and not chase goals

Cork need to turn their frustration at Sunday’s missed opportunity at Cusack Park into a match-winning display against Tipp.

Yes, in the end, Cork were lucky to snatch a draw with Declan Dalton’s 77th-minute free but they should have been heading down the road from Ennis on the front foot. Rewatching the game, as impressive as Clare’s attitude and energy was in the second half to rally from 12 points down, the game hinged on Shane Barrett’s red card.

Cork simply couldn’t cope with the extra man hoovering up the sliotar on puck-outs and breaks in the last 10 minutes. Down to 14, they also couldn’t sit deep enough to protect Eoin Downey from Peter Duggan’s aerial threat.

Cork were right not to let themselves be bullied by the Banner in what was a ferociously physical joust with constant off-the-back skirmishes. They’re clearly sick to their back teeth of being called soft. 

However, Alan Connolly and Barrett were very naive to get involved when Pat Ryan’s side had shown great composure to cope with the concession of two goals straight after the break to take control again.

GET THE JOB DONE

There’s nothing they can do about it now, just refocus and get the job done against a Tipp side on a high after a brilliant display to draw with Limerick. They sold Cork a pup in the league final, not using Jake Morris at 11 and going with a different puck-out strategy.

We expect a very different Premier unit in terms of structure and belief on Sunday afternoon. 

Liam Cahill and his selectors weren’t too bothered about the league final clipping when they knew they’d have another cut off Cork three weeks later.

Cork will miss Barrett’s blistering pace even with Declan Dalton a first-class replacement. Ronan Maher will drop off to make it harder for Brian Hayes and co to collect deliveries on the D. Darragh Fitzgibbon won’t get the freedom of the Páirc this time as Tipp will use a midfielder to tag him. Cork might prioritise goals but this could be the game to take the points and let the rest follow.

Defensively Cork will be disappointed with the goals they conceded last weekend, especially just after half-time when David Fitzgerald was able to get a pass off from the ground and Aidan McCarthy finished. For the third championship meeting running, Clare raised three green flags.

Two of the Rebels’ most questioned backs did well though. Seán O’Donoghue, until Ian Galvin came on buzzing around with intent, was very good and Mark Coleman, who may not have started if newcomer Cormac O’Brien had been fit, had an excellent first half.

Making Tipp earn every score in the final third is a must to ensure Cork keep their destiny in their own hands.