Tipp U20's face Clare this evening with plenty at stake

GAA: Fulfil Munster Under 20 Hurling Championship Preview

By Shane Brophy

TIPPERARY v CLARE

FBD Semple Stadium

Wednesday, 22nd April

Throw-in @ 7.00pm

Referee: Shane Scanlon (Cork)

Tipperary can book their place in the Munster Under 20 Hurling final with a game to spare if they get the better of Clare this evening (Wednesday).

While the holders are currently tied with Cork and Clare at the top of the table, a third straight victory would mean the defending champions would hold the head to head tie-breaker over both their rivals, while a three-way tie (if Tipp were to lose to Limerick) could not happen as Cork and Clare have to play eachother in the final round.

This evening’s game is between the two remaining unbeaten teams in the competition but both have been far from their best so far. Clare have defeated both Waterford and Limerick at home but had to come from behind late on each occasion which shows the strong mentality they have.

Tipp’s victories over Cork and Waterford so far haven’t set the pulses racing, particularly over the style of play of a group of talented players. It will be interesting to see if there have been any alterations in that respect in the three weeks since they were last in action.

The Tipperary team named shows three changes to the side that defeated Waterford last time out with Adam Ryan returning to the starting line-up through injury at wing back for Jake Donelan-Houlihan. Charlie Ryan gets his first start at wing forward for Eoghan Doughan while Robbie Ryan also starts for the first time after recovering from injury to take the place of captain Oisin O'Donoghue who is rested following the senior game against Cork and would be expected to feature again next Sunday against Waterford.

Stefan Tobin, who started against Cork last Sunday, starts here with Jamie Ormond assuming the captain's role.