McGrath: I believe Cork have the 'stuff' to react to criticism

Ex-Waterford manager Derek McGrath believes we will see a reaction from the Cork hurlers against Clare on Sunday but argues they need to provide greater protection for their playmaking half-back Mark Coleman.

Cork play Clare in Thurles this weekend - a designated home game moved to accommodate Ed Sheeran - with their championship season effectively on the line. A second successive loss would leave Kieran Kingston's side in dire straits for 2022, with Limerick, Clare and Waterford the heavy favourites to progress from Munster.

The 2021 All-Ireland finalists were panned following their 11-point loss to Limerick, RTÉ hurling analyst Jackie Tyrrell bemoaning their lack of aggression and questioning the "culture" within their defence.

They face a Clare side who are buoyant in the wake of their resounding win over Tipperary on the weekend last but McGrath has a fancy for Cork and is anticipating a reaction to the criticism of recent weeks.

"A lot has been written and a lot has been said in the last two weeks. I think if there's 'stuff' in Cork - and I'm not one of those that thinks there's not stuff in these Cork guys.

"I believe there is and I think it's going to manifest itself on Sunday. And it has to and I think it will," McGrath told the RTÉ GAA podcast this week.

"Motivationally, if you hear and see what's been said, or even if some bit of the rumour mill permeates its way to the Cork group, I think there's stuff in the Cork boys and I think they're going to react. I could be way off but I think they will."

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