John McGrath bursts through a Dublin tackle in last years ;league quarter final against Dublin at Croke Park. Photo: Bridget Delaney

Tipp won’t have it all their own way against Dublin

TIPPERARY v DUBLIN

Semple Stadium, Thurles

Saturday 16th March

Throw-in @ 4.30pm (E.T.)

Referee: Patrick Murphy (Carlow)

 

It’s rare enough a team scrapes into the knockout stages of a competition and lands itself a draw, which is arguably kinder than some of the sides that finished above them.

While indicating no disrespect to a Dublin side that did finish top of Division 1B, ahead of both Waterford and Galway, Tipperary will fancy their chances of progressing to a league semi-final this Saturday evening, added to by having home advantage by virtue of only having played two games in Semple Stadium in the group stage, while Dublin had three.

However, this a game that has trap written all over it for Tipperary, in the aftermath of such a positive performance and result against Cork last Sunday as that must be tempered by the fact how poor John Meyler’s side were on the day, well off the energy and pace you would usually associate with them and in terms of preparation to face a Dublin side, it is not ideal as they are a side that don’t give you time and space on the ball.

In that respect it is the ideal game for Tipperary to get following last Sunday with manager Liam Sheedy looking forward to the opportunity to further define his championship team.

“It’s another competitive match. I’ve got really got competition for places and hopefully next week weekend is another opportunity to see where we’re at,” he said at Pairc Ui Rinn last Sunday.

 

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