Eddie Brennan believes Kilkenny will be well on their way to lifting the Liam MacCarthy Cup if they can curb the influence of Tipperary forwards John 'Bubbles' O'Dwyer and Patrick 'Bonnar' Maher.

The pair caused endless problems for the Cats' defence in the drawn encounter three weeks ago when Tipp racked up 1-28, 1-24 of which came from play.

"Kilkenny are probably looking at their backs and thinking they have to get more specific with match-ups," eight-time All-Ireland winner Brennan told RTÉ Sport.

"I think 'Bubbles' O'Dwyer has been averaging five points from play in every game this year and that is something that has to be nipped in the bud. I think if you have a forward doing that in every match he has to be man-marked and stopped.

"The other one is 'Bonnar' Maher. He did an awful lot of harm the last day. He is very direct.

"He is as tough as nails and he is someone Kilkenny have to look at. You can do that sometimes - focus on one or two particular players - and we saw the last day with Lar (Corbett) - who's form had been quiet up to this.

"He showed what he was capable of doing. Can Tipperary pull a stroke like that again where they put Lar out to centre forward like they did in 2009 and it worked a treat? That is the challenge for them."

The Thurles-based Garda added: "I think Kilkenny came away from the first game with a nice bit to ponder. Brian Cody and his management team will look at conceding 1-19 from play and strive to tighten up in a big, big way. Kilkenny have more to work on.

"Tipp will have huge confidence. For me it's down to 50-50 and anything on the day. A hop of a ball has really been the difference between these two teams in the last couple of years."

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