Two daunting away trips ahead for Waterford to claw themselves out of the relegation mire, starting this Sunday at Semple Stadium. Although the bookies make them 11/2 outsiders, there are grounds for optimism. Last weekend a youthful Galway put Tipperary to the pin of their collar at the same venue and with Michael Ryan able to welcome back a number of key men, the Déise starting fifteen will be closer to full strength.
While John Mullane will not return until the trip to Galway, Shane Walsh looks set to return after a bout of illness. Walsh’s eye for a goal along with his physical strength and experience have all been sorely missed so far but if he does line out he will also need the younger players to continue where they left off last Sunday. Maurice Shanahan, Martin O’Neill and Gavin O’Brien should all be brimming with confidence after contributing 1-7 between them from play against Kilkenny. There’s no reason why they cannot repeat the dose this time around as Galway’s full forward line proved. Damien Hayes, James Regan and Bernard Burke all exposed gaps in Tipperary’s inner line last weekend and chalked up a total of 2-7 from play in the process.
Due to a chest infection Shane O’Sullivan only entered fray after 51 minutes against Kilkenny but this time is poised to make his first league start of 2012. Stephen Molumphy and Paul O’Brien held their own at midfield in round one but struggled to impose themselves against the Kilkenny pairing last Sunday. A combination of O’Sullivan and Kevin Moran would offer more power, presence and scoring potential. Moran however is likely to continue his run at centre back and face up to Noel McGrath. The Loughmore Castleiney man always seems to enjoy a profitable outing against Waterford and tends to drift into space to pick off scores. Keeping him quiet is a must if an away win is to come into the equation. Philip Mahony should retain his place in defence possibly at wing back although Jamie Nagle may also come back into contention.
Tipperary were roundly criticised for their attitude at Nowlan Park on the first day out but managed to quell some of the discontent by pulling through against the Tribesmen. The management team remain under scrutiny however as they look to reshape their attack without Lar Corbett. The products of Tipp’s recent underage triumphs like Shane Bourke, Brian O’Meara and John O’Neill all need to step up to the plate during this year’s league as regulars like Seamus Callanan, Patrick Maher and Eoin Kelly are forced to watch from the sidelines. With an inexperienced look to the forward division, much weight has been placed on Noel McGrath’s shoulders. He answered the call last time out by chipping in with 1-3 and displayed some fine long range shooting against Kilkenny. Pa Bourke’s accuracy will also ease the burden in the absence of the big names.
Waterford shouldn’t a fear a trip to Semple but a number of questions remain unanswered to make a credible case for victory. The concession of soft scores, goals in particular, persists and will need to be eradicated to stay in touch. Meanwhile in the forward division it’s still uncertain whether Waterford can maintain a constant threat to hit the twenty point mark or more. The conversion rate from frees will also need to improve from the last day. That’s too many imponderables to predict an away win. Despite Tipperary’s absentees up front they still put 2-20 on the board last weekend and they should manage to take the spoils here with three or four to spare.
National Hurling League Division 1A
Tipperary v Waterford
Throw in 2.30 at Semple Stadium
Referee: James McGrath
Betting:
Tipperary 1/8 Draw 14/1 Waterford 11/2
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