Ger Loughnane is siding with Tipperary in tomorrow's Munster SHC semi-final against Limerick but he points out that they have flattered to deceive on more than one occasion in the recent past.

The two-time All-Ireland winning Clare manager believes a lack of a cutting edge has cost the Premier County dearly in recent years.

"Popular opinion tells us that, for five years now, Tipperary have been the second best team in hurling," Loughnane writes in today's Irish Daily Star.

"I'm not sure what this means, never mind its veracity. What I do know, however, is that for at least the last years, Tipp have have been the best team in the land.

"But they have failed miserably to build on the promise they showed during the Liam Sheedy era."

Pointing out that the Premier County have yet to win a Munster championship game under Eamon O'Shea's stewardship, Loughnane continues: "True, his team contributed handsomely to the Russian roulette-type drawn All-Ireland last year, as well as close shaves with Kilkenny in league finals and other big games.

"But no trophies, no medals, and, as he has already stated that this is his final year, tomorrow's visit to Limerick is a visit to the Last Chance Saloon.

"I agree fully with those who say that O'Shea doesn't deserve to be in this position as his philosophy on how hurling should be played, his principles on the creation of space, the use of the ball and the constant movement of the forwards, are laudable.

"But all teams that become a force over a period need a cutting edge, a hard-nosed realism in order to cope with the Codys of this world.

"As of yet, O'Shea hasn't put enough emphasis on this."

Limerick, on the other hand, deserve credit for their "warrior-like" approach to games.

"Over the past two seasons, there has been no team - outside of Kilkenny - better at hounding and harrassing the opposition that a focused Limerick.

"It's the biggest reason why they beat Tipp in 2013 and 2014.

"Limerick are limited in terms of ability, but are warrior-like in their approach.

"Playing at home they should be looking at three in a row against Tipp but, such has been their poor form this year, few fancy their chances.

"They were terrible in the League quarter-final against Dublin and their game with Clare was the worst Munster Championship match in years."

He concluded: "Having a Championship game under their belts is an advantage to Limerick, as is the fact that they are home, but Tipp have to make a bold statement of intent.

"Defeat to their neighbours for a third year in a row would inflict a mortal blow.

"That thought, as well as their potential to exploit Limerick's weakneses, should ensure that they go on to the Munster final."

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