I saw enough in Cork v KK and Galway to suggest they are turning things around, tho to what degree is uncertain… they have a coach and are trying to develop a game plan tho. We are doing neither. Tipp are no great shakes and continue to lose tight encounters - They could very well come out and blow Cork away early but I think Cork are a little wounded and will come out fighting here.
I think Cork will be really up for this but I think the Tipp half backline will be too strong in the air and if they do get on top there it is hard to see the Cork backs holding things together. Cork probably need a shootout and goals to win this. I just don’t see it.
I think a Cork win would be great for the championship though. Tipp being sent to the qualifiers and if one of Dublin or Galway could get the better of Kilkenny in Leinster it would blow things right open and lead to a great championship
Harnedy can cause problems at full forward for any team and if they can get ball to him will score goals. McDonnell is out so they are running out of options in defence. Call for Cork is does Ellis drop back into full back as he has been struggling a bit with injury and put Joyce out centre half.
If the pitch in Thurles is still heavy it won’t suit Cork who are going to try and use Lehane and Cadogan pace.
Cork don’t look like a team who can win scoring less than 2-20. Need it to be a shootout and not concede more goals than they score.