1. Kerry’s bench press
THE STRENGTH OF Kerry’s subs bench is no secret but it is a strange quirk that their three top scorers so far this summer will all start on the sideline against Tyrone.
Between them Bryan Sheehan (0-14), Paul Geaney (2-8) and Barry John Keane (2-7) have scored 41 of the Kingdom’s championship points; by comparison, the six starting forwards against Tyrone have a combined 39.
That’s to take nothing away from a jaw-dropping cast that includes Colm Cooper, Kieran Donaghy and James O’Donoghue, provided the latter is fully fit.
If Tyrone do succeed in keeping a lid on Kerry’s firepower for 50 minutes, there are no shortage of options in reserve.
2. Ruffle repercussions
Three weeks ago Tiernan McCann was just another Tyrone forward, albeit one with magnificent hair, before he took up the position of public enemy number one.
There’s no condoning the laughable dive that got Darren Hughes sent off – although we do have to thank him for giving birth to the term ‘Rufflegate.’
But to suggest that he deserves the relentless public opprobrium he has faced, or that the GAA’s handling of the situation has been anything but cack-handed, is misguided.
Rightly or wrongly, the spotlight is on him now, and it will be interesting to see how the increased attention affects his performance.
3. No Country for Old Men
Writing in Gaelic Life earlier this week, former Tyrone Allstar Brian McGuigan argued that the ageing heart of Kerry’s defence was there to be exploited.
Marc Ó Sé is now 35, as is Aidan O’Mahony, and it’s no surprise that pace is no longer one of their strongest attributes.
Maybe McGuigan’s comments sparked a thought in Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s mind because Peter Crowley, 10 years O’Mahony’s junior, has been named at centre-back while the Rathmore veteran has to make do with a place on the bench.
Tyrone’s counter-attacking style lends itself to a good spread of scorers although it is a worry that the majority of Darren McCurry and Conor McAliskey’s points are coming from placed balls rather than play (0-13 of their combined 0-20 in the last two games). The inside forwards shouldn’t bank on their pace being worth an extra yard.
4. Do goals win games?
Tyrone’s robust system is built around quick transitions which allow them to stuff the defence before countering. They haven’t conceded a goal since their opening defeat against Donegal but equally, it must be noted, they have only scored two from play in six games this summer.
Kerry on the other hand looked very much like the unstoppable force when they banged in six goals in 17 minutes against Kildare, although that comes with the caveat that the Lilywhites appeared to mentally check out rather than try to stem the tide.
Even one goal, for either side, would likely be crucial in tilting the balance.
5. The man in the middle
Championship clashes between Kerry and Tyrone have never lacked an edge and this is unlikely to be wildly different.
So you can expect all eyes to be on referee Maurice Deegan and the manner in which he polices the game.
Tyrone’s siege mentality has been bolstered by Rufflegate and any perceived bias from Deegan towards Kerry might quickly be put down to the storm of criticism that the Ulster men have faced since the quarter-final.
But the Laois man is one of the most experienced in the GAA — and it’s worth remembering that he refereed the 2008 All-Ireland final when Tyrone beat Kerry.
– First published 19.00, 21 August
Great to see Rhys Ruddock in the team and in brilliant form. A massively strong lad, with a thunderous run, very hard to stop. I remember seeing him in the u20′s Irish team and he really impressed. Long may it continue!
Gopperth just isnt up to it,his tactical kicking is awful and it’s interesting to see that Madigan has been doing the place kicking in the last few games even with Gopperth on the field. O’Connor really doesnt seem to know what he is doing as regards his number 10.
I’d say Madigan kicking is an IRFU call… Johnny injured and most likely out of autumn games…
Toner is a giant
Until he addresses the two old men at halfbacks and changes this kick the ball away and hope the other team make a mistake attitude he’ll not get it right.
His away tactics are really poor and hand the home team all the advantages by allowing them constantly to have to ball.
MOC OUT
Why do you want a man who helped Leinster win a trophy in convincing fashion out? he’s proved he can do it for ye, just with picking a quality 10 and 12 as an exception.
Winning the pro12 really isn’t enough and we were awful in the Heineken. Also just the general style in which Leinster played was not exciting to watch. It feels like the team is regressing under O’Connor.
LOL Chris don’t hold back now, say what you think. No point sitting on the fence.
Andrew look what happened to Munster when they accepted mediocre coaches.
I’m sorry I’m too big of a Leinster fan to not say anything.
I tend to agree with you but the blunt honesty of your message made me laugh. There is quality in that Leinster squad but poor passing, aimless kicking and a general lack of clarity in selection and game management is not doing them any favours.
The style of quick, fast, skill-full rugby suits Leinster rugby and has allowed us to seriously compete with anybody. Departing from that general rugby philosophy will not help Leinster.
If Reid is now fit, Madigan can start at 10 which gives Leinster their kicker and game maker in a pivotal role. Hopefully a new partnership in the centre will then emerge.