Where will the game be won and lost?
In one of the best games in living memory, Kilkenny and Tipperary played out an epic 3-22 to 1-28 draw three weeks ago in Croke Park and ever since, the public has been hungry for more hurling.
Now while it would be unfair to go into Saturday’s game with expectations of a similar spectacle, we can’t help but dream of a repeat performance. Much like when you look into the empty cookie packet in the hope of finding an elusive last biscuit to go with your mug of tea, we go into tomorrow with the hope of a similar game, but without much expectation.
Here are our key battles that will decide the match on Saturday evening...
Richie Hogan/Whoever is marking him
Hardly a decisive selection when we can't even name who will be given the task of following the diminutive genius. But it must be stated that Hogan could take up a variety of positions on the pitch including midfield, centre forward and as a wild card bet, we think he may appear at full-forward at some stage.
In the drawn game he was simply irresistible, especially in the second half where he was scoring points for fun. His move to centre-forward was a masterstroke by Cody and changed the complexion of the game.
Will he produce a similar tour de force on Saturday?
He is a nightmare for the number six to try and shackle.
Pádraic Maher is a bit of a free spirit when it comes to hurling, he doesn't worry too much about the man he is marking, he prefers to hold the centre-back position and shield his full-back-line. When the ball goes to the inside forwards, Maher will immediately cover back towards his own goal to try and win the ball or receive a pass from an under pressure teammate.
Hogan noticed this the last day and rather than follow Maher towards the play, Hogan was content to loiter between the 45 and the 21 and wait for the ball to come to him. It did and Hogan slotted over four points in the second half form taking up that particular position.
If Hogan gets a foothold in the game, Kilkenny will be very difficult to stop. Also if his influence in the game is sizeable, expect Michael Cahill to make an appearance to shadow the Kilkenny maestro.
Kieran Joyce/Patrick Maher
Patrick Maher always seems to feature in the key battles pieces but such is the importance of the player. Maher is a key cog in the Tipperary attack and inevitably when he has the upper hand in his tussles, Tipperary play well and more often than not come out on top.
Kieran Joyce has gotten the nod from Brian Cody this week following a disappointing performance from Brian Hogan in the drawn game.
Hogan laboured on the ball and looked like a player struggling with the pace of the game and he has paid the price for it. Joyce, who played in 2012 when Kilkenny defeated Galway, will bring a bit more pace and freshness to the centre back position.
Bonnar Maher will be an essential player for Tipperary on Saturday
Who will have the edge here? It is difficult to look past Bonnar Maher. The Lorrha clubman has taken on more accomplished defenders than Joyce and come out on top. He caused havoc in the Kilkenny defence last week and himself and Paul Murphy had a titanic struggle for most of the game.
Murphy got on top in the third quarter but Maher came roaring back in the final 15, which was around the time of the Tipperary resurgence. Coincidence? No.
Kieran Joyce needs a huge performance to try and stifle the Tipperary man and that won’t be easy to produce having played relatively little games for the Cats this season.
Cathal Barrett/John Power
This may seem like a strange one considering neither of these two can be considered established players in their respective sides. Barrett is on the back of a superb debut season while Power is in and out of the Kilkenny team.
Barrett was outstanding in the drawn game and earned himself a Man of the Match nomination and in all probability the Young Hurler of the Year award.
Kilkenny tried to target him by putting Walter Walsh on him but the young corner back dominated their tussle and played an important role in his team’s draw. He has been one of the finds of the season for the Premier County who in the past have underrated some of their tidy corner backs.
`Cathal Barrett has been excellent for Tipperary this season
John Power has been on the senior panel for a few years without ever really making a significant impact. It is a huge vote of confidence from Cody that he has introduced Power even though he has seasoned veterans Tommy Walsh and Henry Shefflin pushing for places on the starting team.
If Power can get on top in that duel, it should really add to the effectiveness of their forwards considering Walter Walsh’s influence was very limited three weeks ago.
All roads lead to Croker on Sàturday, who will be victorious is a mystery but we will know by Saturday evening. We are really looking forward to this replay and we hope hurling is the real winner on Saturday...
