If Darragh Egan is looking for some inspiration following Saturday night’s mauling at the hands of Dublin, he might pop into a book shop and seek out the 2016 MMA bible written by SBG guru John Kavanagh…
The maestro behind McGregor borrowed a Nelson Mandela quote for its title. Win or Learn. Wexford definitely did not win the Walsh Cup final in Croke Park and therefore they’ll have to turn their attention to what can be fixed before the All-Ireland champions come to town in the first round of the Allianz National Hurling League.
Pre-season tournaments are only as valuable as the lessons you take from them. Here are 4 key learnings that Egan and his team should take forward into the rest of the year.
A Stronger Defensive System is needed to replace the Sweeper
As discussed previously, many Wexford fans were delighted to see the extra man forced up the field into a more traditional lineup and it paid dividends against Laois in the first round. However, the last two outings have shown that the Model County can’t afford to completely throw caution to the wind when it comes to defence.
Kilkenny and Dublin put a combined 4-54 on the scoreboard in just two games.
Pundits have highlighted the oceans of space available in front of the Wexford full backline which was exploited by the likes of Dónal Burke and Martin Keoghan. Egan hasn’t ruled out a return to the sweeper but quite simply, the back six need to start winning their individual battles and keeping the opposition out of the scoring zone.
The Flying Wing Backs should be used sparingly
Part of Wexford’s game plan for the best part of the last decade was to push up the numbers 5 and 7 to add to the midfielders running through.
When done correctly, it’s an awesome sight and adds an extra headache when trying to stop scores from out the field. Previously, Dee O’Keeffe preformed this role to a tee, always good for a score or two and this tradition was kept up by Connal Flood, particularly in the draw with the Cats.
The idea of creators and shooters from deep is appealing, but a more cautious approach could shore up opposition attacks and prove more effective going forward. Limiting the lung-bursting runs to key moments in the game will keep the opposing wing forward guessing and make sure our man is on the front foot.
The Youth must be trusted to be competitive for 70 minutes
While selections in the first two games were more experimental, there was a more familiar look to Wexford’s first fifteen on Saturday night. Only Conor Devitt and Oisin Foley were true newcomers to the team and yet the more established stars faltered in matching the Dubs intensity.
Wexford’s best performers came from the bench with Mikie Dwyer and Billy Dunne scoring 3 points each with Oisin Pepper getting his two from play. These players bring a fresh outlook on the game and should be put in from the start.
Again, Wexford were caught out in the opening minutes and left themselves a mountain to climb. Use the exuberance of youth to combat this and run the opposition ragged with youthful legs. That leaves you with the more experienced heads coming in to close a game or provide the necessary shot in the arm if Wexford are chasing. Loyalty can only go so far.
Every score will be crucial so no silly wides
It might be fair to say that this is shaping up to be one of the most competitive Leinster Hurling Championships in forever. The Dubs have caught fire early on and shown their provincial final appearance last season was no fluke.
We’ve already experienced the wrath of a Kilkenny comeback and Henry Shefflin will be eager to prove himself worthy in the intercounty coaching game.
Barstool arguments could be put forward for any of the four to be crowned champions in June. We’ve needed points difference to separate the sides before and the calculators and As It Stands tables may be needed again. That means pot shots of any variety should be eliminated as quickly as possible.
Wexford have a tendency to snatch at chances and that could be the difference between heading for redemption in Croke Park or sitting on the sidelines wondering what if.
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Overall, there’s nothing to get too despondent about looking back over the last three games. The positives and negatives just about balance out which is normal for a side at this premature stage. An optimist might say that every team has a collapse in them and Wexford have got theirs out of the way early. Their faults were laid out in black and white and now we have to hope that Limerick will feel the full force of the rebound.
Wexford will now be welcoming the All-Ireland Champions, Limerick, to Chadwicks Wexford Park next weekend in the Allianz Hurling League.
Featured Image: Noel Reddy
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