Ahead of next weekend's crunch game with Limerick in the Munster hurling round-robin, Dónal Óg Cusack feels the spirit that Cork have shown defensively up to now simply won't be good enough against the All-Ireland champions, adding that the Rebels' mindset in that regard simply has to change.
Losses to Waterford and Clare means that Pat Ryan's side are now in must-win territory for next Saturday's SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh encounter. And while Cork have been involved in high-scoring thrillers so far, their defending, particularly in the game against the Banner, left their two-time All-Ireland winner somewhat frustrated when he spoke on The Sunday Game.
"The spirit to actually hunt back from the Cork defenders, some of them were walking," said Cusack.
"They've conceded hugely in the first two games. You add in two red cards in the full-back line and then add in that type of spirit of defending. You need to have the same spirit running back towards your goals as attacking. You need to have the spirit of a hunter; metaphorically speaking when you get your prey you need to enjoy the kill, that's the way the game is played now.
Dónal Óg Cusack feels Cork need to find a fresh hunger in defence if they are to pull off a season-saving win against Limerick next weekend
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"Any Cork player who is going to defend like that is in the wrong frame of mind and he's wearing the wrong jersey. If we carry that spirit of hunting into the game against Limerick we'll have no chance."
However, the former Cork netminder feels all is not lost yet for the current side when adding: "Maybe I'm biased and maybe I'm brought up to believe in Cork as much as possible, I do give Cork a chance once they eliminate that type of behaviour."
Former Wexford camogie star Ursula Jacob, also speaking on the programme, believes Cork will have it all to do if they are to reignite their season.
"I think they'll have to bring their best performance of the year to get one over on Limerick.
"Limerick will punish you; we've seen that in the last couple of games. The concession of goals is a worry for Cork. It's grand to be able to score 25 or 30 points because Limerick will be able to do the same on the other side. First and foremost defensively, they'll have to get things right if they are to have any chance."
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