Tipperary manager Liam Cahill praised his side's ruthlessness in front of goal as they got their Munster Championship campaign off to the perfect start with victory over Clare.
The Premier County pounced on errors in the Clare defence to score five goals, three of which came in the first half to put them on course for their first provincial victory in 20 months.
Jason Forde, whose lineball from 45 metres found its way to the net for the opener, also converted a second-half penalty for a personal haul of 2-06, while Jake Morris hit 2-04 from play and substitute Sean Ryan bagged a fifth goal with his first touch.
"We're obviously delighted to capitalise on a couple of errors in the Clare defence to get that cushion," Cahill told RTÉ Sport after the 5-22 to 3-23 success at Cusack Park.
"When you take that out of it there was nothing in the match for long stages, but you have to take those chances when they arrive and I was very happy the way we went about our business up front.
"Hurling needs to see goals, interlinking play and excitement. We’re not there to over elaborate on what the game of hurling is about, but when the opportunities arise and you get a little overlap, it’s nice to create a goal.
"It gives a good buzz throughout the panel and the stadium, and gives the supporters something to shout about."
Tipperary lost all four matches in last year’s Munster championship but regrouped during the Allianz League, where they boasted a 100% record in Division 1B before pushing Limerick close in the semi-finals.
"We needed the league to find our way again, and we’ve done that," said Cahill.
"Throughout the league we blooded a couple of new players and some of them have stood up today to the intensity of Cusack Park. It’s all good at the moment but as you know, these things can be turned on its head very quickly.
"It's still only the first round. You are going to have to win at least three matches to secure a Munster final or even the All-Ireland series."
Tipperary were criticised for naming an alphabetical squad for Sunday’s trip to Ennis but Cahill defended the decision, saying they were not in a position to name their panel on Friday morning.
Counties must confirm a 26-player match-day panel by Friday morning to Croke Park, who then release it to the public that afternoon.
"We didn’t take any pleasure in having to name the squad in the way we did," said Cahill.
"We couldn’t train on Thursday due to circumstances outside of our control. As a management team we try to roll out a schedule a month in advance for players, because these guys are working full-time and in high-pressurised jobs.
"We were unable to name a team before Friday night because of little injuries and things we needed to come right. We did request the team be released around 6pm on Friday but that request wasn’t granted.
"I hadn’t an opportunity to speak to players. There were a number of players who were going to be disappointed if they saw the team named in the media before I could have that difficult conversation with them."
Cahill added: "It was very disappointing to see criticism of the county board and ourselves. This was outside of our control. Having said that, we still stuck to the 15 we released on Friday evening. The 15 we named took to the field. I can’t be sure that happened at every game around the country this weekend."
Cahill’s counterpart Brian Lohan was frustrated his Clare side had 'gifted’ Tipperary three first-half goals.
The Banner gave themselves a mountain to climb and must quickly regroup ahead of Saturday’s trip to defending Munster and All-Ireland champions Limerick.
"It’s very hard to win games when you’re conceding so many goals and making so many mistakes," said Lohan.
"There’s a good bit of fight and spirit in our lads but when you’re conceding goals and making so many mistakes, it’s so hard to keep recovering from it.
"They were gifts. When you do concede those kinds of goals, it’s so hard to score them at the other end.
"It’s a tough competition, a tough gig, and they don’t come any harder than what’s coming next Saturday night. We’ll just dust ourselves down."
