CORK AND WATERFORD will meet in the championship for a second time this season on 13 August.
An All-Ireland final is the prize at stake as the Deise seek to redress the balance after suffering a surprise defeat to Cork in the Munster semi-final back in June. It’s likely to be a far more cagey affair on Sunday week, with Waterford expected to employ the sweeper system they surprisingly abandoned for that clash.
The problem for Derek McGrath is who does he play in the key position? Tadhg de Burca will find out this week if his one-match ban will be upheld, and it’s expected to stick.
“If Tadhg De Burca’s red card stays, this is the first time the panel will be seriously tested,” says three-time All-Star Tony Browne. ”He has all the ammunition and players to come in up front, but he’s going to have to adjust.”
The threat of Cork’s three full-forwards means a spare defender is required to cut out the diagonal ball the Rebels like to play inside.
“The two obvious choices are Darragh Fives and Austin Gleeson,” continues Browne.
“The way Derek McGrath operates, everyone knows their role. It would be quite easy for someone to slip into that role, whether they can play it the same way as Tadhg I don’t know. He’s probably the best sweeper in the country. He’ll be hard to replace. He may have a big call to make.
“I think he might go with Darragh Fives and leave Austin up front. I think for Waterford’s sake over the next couple of years that Austin should play centre-forward.
“He’s hard to pick up there and he can influence games from there. He’s obviously a phenomenal centre-back but in the modern game you can take centre-backs out of it.”
Browne, who enjoyed a stellar 22-year career with the Deise, believes employing a spare defender is the best way to beat the Rebels.
“Cork haven’t played against the sweeper yet this season. Waterford in the Munster semi-final went more conventional and looked uncomfortable doing it if I’m being honest. I think that made up Derek’s mind, with the cards he has this is what they’re most comfortable at and best at doing.
“It’ll be interesting to see if Cork can break down the sweeper system. If you cut off that supply into that full-forward line, I think it’ll trouble Cork.
“They haven’t come across it this year yet. They’re playing really expansive, open hurling. They’re playing on their terms at the moment and if you upset them terms I think Waterford will have a serious chance.
“My only fear is Tadhg De Burca is very fast, Croke Park is a big field and he’s going to very difficult to replace. Cork move that ball very fast and Waterford are going to have to put in a sweeper that’s quite quick.
“Cork are riding the crest of a wave at the moment. When Waterford played them in the semi-final, they were coming off a 10 or 11 week break. Those roles are slightly reversed now.”
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