League semi-finalists need to look at the bigger picture

In about eight weeks' time, either Kieran Kingston or Liam Cahill, or indeed Wexford boss Darragh Egan, will be a genius - or else John Kiely will be.

It is easy to have commentary afterwards, but will playing in the semi-finals or finals of the Allianz Hurling League be more beneficial to these sides than not? Will the benefit instead lie with the Limericks or the Galways of the world who have to wait four weeks for their next encounter?

It’s always great to be playing games, and the more games you get, the sharper you become. When you’re winning, confidence grows.

Of course, you also leave yourself wide open for injuries, which is a worry, but you can’t wrap lads up in cotton wool either.

For all the teams left in the league, they have to go all out and try and win it, but there is not much point in running your race too early.

Let’s imagine Waterford or Cork are crowned league champions but underperform in the championship, would that be looked at as a successful year? Personally for me, no. Both teams are good enough and have the capabilities to win top honours.

If I was in their shoes the weekend, I would be going all out to win it, but I wouldn’t be putting out a perceived championship 15. I know that might sound contradictory, but you can still go as hard as you like with players that are fighting to get on the team or fighting to get on the panel.

That way, you are leaving yourself open for improvement, you’re not showing the teams waiting in the wings exactly what you are doing and also you are giving lads plenty of opportunity to show that they are ready or not for the heat of the championship.

If you go with a full team, you are doing two things. You will have a group within a set-up asking questions if they are