Pat Ryan will have a fair idea already I'd imagine of the type of players he has and type of game he wants them to play.
You'd imagine in the league he'll blood 4 or 5 more of those u20 winning teams in addition to the likes of Barrett, Connolly and Joyce.
Id guess tactics will be the steepest learning curve for him. The brand of hurling the u20s played was very enjoyable. If he can implement that at senior level it's great news but as we know at senior level it's a much more tactical game.
Fast good quality ball into the forwards seemed to be the preference.. but after one or two short passes around the middle if it opened up they ran at teams too or worked a longer range shot.
They key though was the attitude and willingness of the forwards to fight for the 50/50 ball when it wasn't to their advantage. You don't have to be a giant to have that mentality.
Kilkenny mixed their game well last weekend. Limerick do the same. I think we all recognise Cork got the balance wrong until the Waterford game.
A few changes in personal, a slight change in approach and freshen up the panel and I don't think we're far off anyone with the exception of Limerick at the moment.
Few of the elder statesmen will be looking over their shoulder now which is exactly the way it should be for a squad that want to achieve major honours.
A good club championship now would be a boost for everyone.
