Sheedy needs to stick with tried and trusted but in-game tactics will be key
It’s par for the course now that whenever Tipperary senior hurlers suffer defeat, the legs and endurance of the old guard gets called into question.
It’s easy to do that, an ageing team that has achieved so much, run out of legs and fall when it just looked like they were back to their scintillating best.
But for me it’s a lazy argument made by those who either lack the insight to delve further or just can’t be bothered to do so.
Yes, Tipp fell short in the second half on the last day out against Limerick, and yes it did appear that a younger Limerick side were fitter and stronger as the sun shone brightly in Cork.
However, the same reasoning cannot be applied to other teams who were reeled in recently by opponents as games entered the third quarter, and this is where the problem lies – In-game management. The ability to adapt to circumstance be it losing a man to a black card or a change in approach by the opposition.
It can be difficult for hurling managers in particular to get their message across. You barely have time to draw breath as another point goes over the bar yet alone reassemble a team that is beginning to look ragged. However, Tipperary need to find a solution to this problem because it’s likely to happen again.
Liam Cahill, the Waterford manager, showed his in-game management skills as Galway threatened a comeback last weekend. Losing Conor Gleeson before half-time Waterford showed resilience and character and most importantly found a structure that meant they were able to see the game out.
This weekend’s fixture is difficult to call, the teams are evenly matched but it’s last chance saloon for both counties.
It will be tight on the pitch, but the difference could come down to the two men on the side-line and who adapts quickest when the going gets tough.