1. Cody’s strong replay record
Brian Cody will hope to continue his strong replay record in the All-Ireland series tomorrow evening. The Kilkenny boss has been defeated just once in a replay – against the Dubs in the Leinster semi-final in 2013.
Prior to that, Cody has overseen victories on the second time of asking over Clare and Galway in ’04 and ’12 in the All-Ireland quarter-final and final respectively.
2. Trying to stop Tipp’s scoring ability
Conceding 1-28 must be a major concern for Kilkenny. Tipp’s scoring prowess was highlighted before the game, but Seamus Callanan, Lar Corbett, Shane McGrath and John O’Dwyer all shot the lights out with 16 points from play between them.
Tipp’s movement up front caused the Cats problems time and again as they plundered through the middle. The worry for Cody is that Tipp missed a number of clear-cut goal chances three weeks ago, with Lar Corbett particularly unlucky not to find the net. Not to mention those two saved penalties.
3. Closing out the game
While Kilkenny would have felt a huge amount of relief when John O’Dwyer sent his last-gasp free inches wide, they never should have allowed Tipp get that close. The Leinster champions had Tipp on the ropes after 60 minutes and a knock-out blow would surely have floored Eamon O’Shea’s side.
But they allowed Tipp haul themselves back into the game by cutting a four point deficit in a seismic climax. If Kilkenny find themselves in a similar position tomorrow evening, they’ll need to shore up the defence to a greater effect and finish out the win.
4. Shefflin’s final swansong
Henry Shefflin’s lack of game-time was a major source of surprise in the drawn game. The Kilkenny ace started their thrilling league final win over Tipp before succumbing to injury for the Cats win over Offaly. Since then Shefflin has had to make do with an impact role from the bench although it was suspected that Cody might spring a surprise by starting with Shefflin the first time out.
With an extra three weeks of training under his belt, it’s thought that the Ballyhale Shamrocks star is back in the frame for a starting place. Should he start, it begs the question where Cody will choose to employ the 35-year-old. Will this be Shefflin’s farewell?
5. The role of Richie Hogan
Alongside Seamus Callanan, Richie Hogan the front runner to claim the Hurler of the Year award. He’s starred in midfield all year for Kilkenny, but his switch to centre-forward was a masterstroke and it allowed Michael Fennelly switch to centre-field where he looked far more comfortable.
Hogan took Tipperary apart in the second-half from the half-forward line and his positioning caused serious problems for Padraic Maher. The 26-year-old finished with 0-6 from play the first day out, can he wreak havoc once again?
