Cork and Waterford games of recent vintage always come with an element of unpredictability and Saturday night’s league opener is no different. With two new managers attempting to make their mark and plenty of emerging talent on show, predicting the result of this one becomes a tricky exercise.
Of most concern to Michael Ryan will be the lack of depth in the Waterford attack. With John Mullane, Eoin Kelly and Brian O’Sullivan already eliminated from the equation, the injuries picked up by Shane Walsh and Maurice Shanahan in recent weeks could leave the visitors shorn of the firepower needed to make a positive start. With that in mind Ryan will hope that someone like Martin O’Neill or Shane Casey can emerge with a big performance on the night. The suitability of Michael Walsh to the centre forward role will also receive another trial and the results watched with considerable interest. The switch has brought mixed returns to date on the pre season circuit but the early rounds of the league should give a more definitive verdict. On the evidence of last weekend the defensive combinations and midfield pairing appear well equipped even taking some injuries into consideration. Ian O’Regan may also feel that a series of dependable displays will force him into the reckoning for the number one shirt. Some lapses in concentration on Adrian Power’s last two outings against Clare and UCD have cast doubts over his suitability although it would be surprising to see the Ballyduff Upper man overlooked for Saturday’s game.
On Leeside, Jimmy Barry Murphy has started on a quiet note but already some small tweaks must be noted. The appointment of Donal Og Cusack as captain and the return of Sean Óg Ó hAilpín immediately brought some stability to the camp. His backroom team also contains former Olympic sprinter David Matthews to look after the physical preparation of the team which they hope to reap the benefits of as the year progresses. Denis Walsh’s reign failed to bring the necessary consistency but the raw materials exist to make Jimmy Barry Murphy’s rebuilding job a bit easier. It’s not too long ago that the Rebels dismantled the eventual All Ireland champions at Páirc Uí Chaoimh and with the under 21 side unlucky to lose a thrilling Munster final against Limerick last summer, Cork can move out of their transitional period if the right blend can be put together. Patrick Horgan, Luke O’Farrell, Conor Lehane and Paudie O’Sullivan offered a glimpse of their promise under the previous management but JBM will seek a more consistent level of performance from this attacking quartet with three of them starting this weekend. While Cork need their younger stars to step up, they can still call upon an experienced core of players to guide them. Ronan Curran and Jerry O’Connor have departed the scene but All Ireland winners Donal Og Cusack, John Gardiner, Sean Óg Ó hAilpín and Ben O’Connor all start on Saturday night. Like many teams Cork utilised the Waterford Crystal tournament to tinker but still troubled Tipperary in the semi final and only lost out after extra time. As a result, Ross Cashman and Darren Sweetnam receive their league debuts for this one.
Waterford have won six of the last eight league meetings between these teams but even a draw this time around would give them some breathing space in a cut throat Division 1A. With Kilkenny lying in wait for round two, a point at the very least would be a welcome cushion ahead of that fixture. Doubts persist over the strength of the attack however and pre season doesn’t appear to have made that situation any clearer. Cork’s form is also far from certain especially when Stephen McDonnell and Ross Cashman are unknown quantities in the central defensive positions. Jimmy Barry Murphy’s first selection does contain a significant punch up front to trouble Waterford however and this along with the obvious benefits of home advantage should nudge them over the line.
National Hurling League Division 1A
Cork v Waterford
Throw in 7.00 at Páirc Uí Rinn
Referee: Barry Kelly (Westmeath)
Betting:
Cork 4/9 Draw 10/1 Waterford 2/1
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