Eddie Brennan feels Kilkenny need to give even more attention to the Tipperary forwards in today’s All-Ireland Hurling Championship final replay at Croke Park.
The counties meet once again at Headquarters as the ultimate prize in the sport remains up for grabs after an epic draw three weeks ago.
The Cats conceded 1-28 in the original final and were fortunate to hang on for a second chance when John O’Dwyer missed a long-range free, that would have won the game, by inches.
Brennan told RTÉ Sport: “Kilkenny are probably looking at their backs and thinking they have to get more specific with match-ups.
“I think Bubbles (John) O'Dwyer has been averaging five points from play in every game this year and that is something that has to be nipped in the bud. I think if you have a forward doing that in every match he has to be man-marked and stopped.
“The other one is Bonnar Maher. He did an awful lot of harm the last day. He is very direct.
“He is as tough as nails and he is someone Kilkenny have to look at. You can do that sometimes - focus on one or two particular players - and we saw the last day Lar - who's form had been quiet up to this.
“He showed what he was capable of doing. Can Tipperary pull a stroke like that again where they put Lar out to centre forward like they did in 2009 and it worked a treat? That is the challenge for them.”
Brennan is expecting another tight encounter and said luck on the day is likely to be deciding factor.
“I think Kilkenny came away from the first game with a nice bit to ponder. Brian Cody and his management team will look at conceding 1-19 from play and strive to tighten up in a big, big way. Kilkenny have more to work on.
“Tipp will have huge confidence. For me it's down to 50-50 and anything on the day. A hop of a ball has really been the difference between these two teams in the last couple of years.”
