Tipperary’s seven goals in three games compared with two for Waterford is a standout statistic as we enter
the penultimate round of the league. Containing
a confident Tipp team that is starting to hit its stride will be a tall order
after striking 4-22 in Salthill six days previous. And even if Corbett and
company can be restricted, punching a few holes at the other end has proven
difficult over the last two outings. Waterford
have stood up in three different environments to date but some tweaks are
necessary to turn performances into points.
On 2-46, Waterford are the lowest
scorers in Division 1A and these measly totals continue to hold them back. An
absence of penetration has resulted in back to back blanks in the goals column.
With recognised goal poacher Shane Walsh making a gradual return to match sharpness,
genuine goal chances have been scarce commodities. Anthony Nash was only
troubled once in a late flurry and Eoin Murphy didn’t have a save to make. The
attack is brimming with pace but lacks the capability to break tackles and
this significantly decreases the likelihood of creating the openings. And when forwards
do cut through, they need support runners to offer further options. Tipp’s
movement up front is at a more advanced stage at this moment in time and their
ability to raise green flags with regularity may again prove the decisive
factor here.
The last
line of the Waterford
defence also needs to stamp its authority to prevent the floodgates opening. The
full back line came under a sustained period of pressure in the second half of
Monday’s contest and some alarming gaps appeared. They must keep their shape
and their discipline to limit the damage against a potentially lethal trio of
Shane Bourke, Seamus Callanan and Lar Corbett. The half backs may also drop a
bit deeper to offer extra protection on Sunday and condense the space
available.
The
visitors have reversed their fortunes following their total systems failure in
Pairc Ui Rinn. They are suddenly within touching distance of the semi finals
and yet, Eamonn O’Shea still felt the urge to chop and change. Even last week’s
man of the match John O’Dwyer wasn’t spared. Brendan Cummins returns to the
side and for once is under pressure for his place come championship as Darren
Gleeson’s development continues. Regulars Paddy Stapleton, Conor O’Mahony and
Brendan Maher also lose out as Donagh Maher and Conor O’Brien get a chance to
impress in defence. Brian O’Meara and Noel McGrath both have points to prove
alongside newcomer Adrian Ryan in the half forward line.
Michael
Ryan also made a couple of curious alterations during the week. Whether the omission of
Stephen O’Keeffe was pre planned or otherwise, the Ballygunner stopper would
have liked the opportunity to get last Monday out of his system. Ian O’Regan’s
puckout strategy will certainly be monitored with interest. After three
substitute appearances, Jamie Barron takes the place of Brian O’Sullivan who
had a quiet afternoon in Nowlan
Park. The Fourmilewater
flyer should look to stretch Donagh Maher if he gets the ball in space. Meanwhile,
the return of Maurice Shanahan sees Pauric Mahony surprisingly make way. With
0-14 to his credit in three games and given a strong showing in the second half
against Kilkenny, where many others struggled around him, he may feel hard done
by. In Mahony’s absence, Jake Dillon may well assume the free taking
responsibilities.
The return
of Shanahan should boost Waterford’s
attacking ambitions however. He can turn
the Tipp defence on their heels and offers a genuine goal threat if he gets to
run directly at his marker. In two cameo roles, he has looked sharp and eager
for the fray. Jake Dillon and Brian O’Halloran have contributed 1-15 between
them but the challenge for both is to maintain high performance levels over the
seventy minutes and not fade from view.
Despite
O’Shea’s reshuffle, the forward six selected for the Premier are versatile and
will attempt to create confusion for the Waterford
backs by drifting into different areas. Confidence is also flowing again for
Lar Corbett with 2-4 banked from play and a cheeky finish to cap a resounding
win over Galway. Waterford will pin their hopes on a rejuvenated
Shanahan to ignite their attack but Tipp possess a more cohesive offensive threat
and that should tee up their third win on the trot.
Waterford:
I O’Regan, S Fives, L Lawlor, S Daniels, J Nagle, M Walsh, K Moran, S
O’Sullivan, P Prendergast, B O’Halloran, S Prendergast, M Shanahan, J Dillon, S
Walsh, J Barron.
Tipperary:
B Cummins, D Maher, P Curran, M Cahill, C O’Brien, T Stapleton, P Maher, J
Woodlock, S McGrath, B O’Meara, N McGrath, A Ryan, S Bourke, S Callanan, L
Corbett.
National Hurling League Division 1A
Waterford v Tipperary
Throw in 2.30 at Walsh Park
Referee: Cathal
McAllister
Betting:
Waterford 9/4 Draw 10/1 Tipperary
4/9
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