Permutations and potential play-offs as hurling goes down to wire

We feared dead rubbers and a low-key finale but last weekend's results have left much in play in the final weekend in both Munster and Leinster. Here are the many and varied permutations ahead of the Round 5 fixtures in both provinces

MUNSTER

Many had anticipated that a permutations post wouldn't be called for in Munster this season, with Cork widely expected to lose in Walsh Park, confirming the identity of the top three. A ghastly dead-rubber affair was supposed to be in the offing in Thurles this Sunday.

We needn't concern ourselves with provincial finals and whatnot. Clare and Limerick are bound to meet in the decider for the first time since 1995.

But it's all up in the air in the battle for third spot. Who will get a (likely) shot at an All-Ireland quarter-final and who will be watching the rest of the championship on television?

Cork - In their hands

The dynamic at the weekend is simplest for Cork.

Castigated for their performances in the opening two rounds, Kieran Kingston's side are one win away from surviving the Munster championship, a game against the Joe McDonagh champions the only thing separating them from a last-six encounter against the Leinster runners-up.

If Cork beat Tipperary in Semple Stadium, they are assured of third spot in the table and progression to the All-Ireland series. Even a Waterford win in Ennis would be irrelevant in this scenario, with scoring margins not coming into play.

In a two-way tie, head-to-head trumps points difference, meaning Cork would finish third by virtue of the victory in Walsh Park.

Cork could still make it with a draw or a loss should Waterford lose in Ennis. A draw in that scenario will do them.

If both Cork and Waterford lose, then we're in the really interesting three-way