Watch Tipperary v Limerick live on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie (IoI) this Sunday from 1.15pm. The show begins with live coverage of the second MHC semi-final between Galway and Waterford. Live updates throughout the day on RTÉ Radio 1's Sunday Sport.
Tipperary and Limerick travel to Croke Park on Sunday, with the prize for the winner being the unenviable task of trying to deny Kilkenny a fourth All-Ireland title in a row.
Limerick team - Tipperary team
Both teams have reached this stage in the recent past, but had vastly different experiences. Tipp went into last year's semi-final with Waterford as hot favourites but were dumped out by Davy Fitzgerald's men, while Limerick out-gunned the Déise – then managed by current Treatymen boss Justin McCarthy – back in 2007.
Tipp have travelled the conventional route for the second year in a row, though their passage to the Munster title wasn't quite as smooth this year. That can be partly attributed to Eoin Kelly's back problems, which have limited his influence.
That said, the Mullinahone clubman has still hit 1-11 this summer and in the five weeks since the win over Waterford he may well have rediscovered something close to his best form.
Tipp boss Liam Sheedy has seen fit to re-jig his defence. Brendan Maher comes into the side at the expense of Conor O'Brien, and the reshuffle sees Padraic Maher move to full-back, Paul Curran to left corner-back and Brendan Maher at left-wing back.
If the team lines out as selected, Tipp will have Declan Fanning and Paul Curran – two of the best full-backs in the country – in their line-up, with neither of them manning the square.
Limerick's tall number 14 Paudie McNamara did have quite a lot of success against Dublin's Tomás Brady in the quarter-final, and maybe Sheedy feels Maher is better equipped to deal with the aerial threat.
As for Limerick's line-up, it finally looks like McCarthy knows who his best XV are. He has switched Seamus Hickey and Gavin O'Mahony, with the former reverting to wing-back and the latter moving into midfield.
There is no doubt Hickey is one of the best players in the country, but he has been wasted in the engine room and should produce a much better display back in the rearguard.
O'Mahony has been a revelation this year, if only for his ability to point from sideline balls. His long-distance free-taking has also been crucial for the Shannonsiders. However, Sunday will be the acid test for the Kilmallock clubman, particularly if he stands toe-to-toe with Tipp ace Shane McGrath.
O'Mahony's club-mate Andrew O'Shaughnessy has endured a disappointing summer. The former All-Star has a tally of 1-19, but 0-17 of that total has come from dead balls. There was a moment late in the game with the Dubs that summed up his year. The 24-year-old found himself less than 30 metres from the Metropolitans' posts and in acres of space.
He had all the time in the world to go for goal if he wished, but hurried an effort for a point that hit the upright and went wide. However, 'Shaughs' had the game of his life against Waterford at Croke Park two years ago, and maybe a return to Headquarters will bring the best out of him.
Richie Bennis was in charge of Limerick when they reached the All-Ireland final in 2007, and he has backed his former charges to cause an upset on Sunday.
Limerick have nothing to lose and always produce their best hurling when the shackles of expectation are off. But given that these two sides needed three games to separate them in the Munster Championship saga in 2007, the odds of 14/1 being offered on a draw look exceptional value.
The elements will have a major bearing on the outcome. A dry day will suit Tipp, as their superior pace and ball control will shine in such conditions.
A wet day would be just up Limerick's alley, as it would slow the game down, and in a dogfight you'd be a brave man to bet against veterans such as Mark Foley and Ollie Moran pulling through.
With the weathermen predicting only a 20% chance of precipitation, our forecast is that it will be another fine day for the Premier men.
Verdict: Tipperary
