Tipperary are on the cusp of a first Munster Final appearance in two years which can be copper fastened with a win over a struggling and already eliminated Waterford side this Sunday in FBD Semple Stadium.
The result between Clare and Cork prior to throw-in on Sunday might have taken the jeopardy out of the clash later in the afternoon in Thurles, but it didn’t seem to register with the players at any stage as the fare played out like a full-blooded, knockout Munster Championship clash of yesteryear.
A draw was a good result for Tipperary as it will take a freakish series of results on the final weekend for the Premier to be denied a place in the All-Ireland series next month, but there is still the small matter of a Munster title being up for grabs.
Should Tipperary beat Waterford on Sunday they will book their place in the provincial decider against Clare on June 11, while Limerick will need a victory in the Gaelic Grounds against Cork to claim third spot.
Cork, however, would progress with just a draw based on the scoring difference, and there is still an outside chance of the Rebels claiming a place in the Munster decider, but they would require a Waterford win over Tipperary which - on current form - looks like a far-fetched outside bet.
Whatever the case, Tipperary must take care of their own business and the fact that they are not fully certain of where they will end up yet ahead of the final weekend of games will ultimately focus the minds ahead of the visit of Davy Fitzgerald’s wounded Waterford team.
Attrition from the three games to date continues to take its toll for Tipperary, after playing without the services of Jason Forde last Sunday, the Silvermines man is unlikely to be risked after picking up a hamstring injury against Cork in Round Two.
Furthermore, there was damage taken in the draw with Limerick as Cathal Barrett suffered a concussion in the second half due to a shoulder to the head from Tom Morrissey, and following concussion protocols, he will likely miss this weekend’s game.
Jake Morris is also a concern as he received a big shot to the ribs - again from Tom Morrissey - in the latter stages of the game and the Nenagh man was expected to get an X-ray to assess the severity of the knock.
Add to that the news last week that Morris’ clubmate Conor McCarthy picked up what is thought to be a significant knee injury and the list of those missing continues to grow for Liam Cahill.
However, one thing the Ballingarry man has not focused on is those who are unavailable and he will be confident that the players he has available will be able to get the job done against Waterford this weekend - who have nothing left to play for barring pride.
There will certainly be enforced changes to the Tipp team, and perhaps a few un-enforced for this game, with players like Conor Bowe, Seamus Callanan, Niall O’Meara and Johnny Ryan who will all be eager to impress as the Premier will more than likely extend their year into the summer, and hopefully into a Munster Final against the Banner.
