Can leaky Cork plug defensive hole against Limerick?

It's sink or swim for the Cork hurlers on Saturday evening, and only a sharp improvement in defence against Limerick offers them hope of staying alive for their final Munster outing.

The Rebels have opened with two contrasting defeats; a hollow defeat at Walsh Park followed by a shootout classic on Leeside where the hosts were ultimately outgunned by Clare.

They welcome the All-Ireland champions to town knowing defeat will end their interest in this year’s championship.

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Once again, Cork's brittle defence has been called into question. Speaking on the RTÉ GAA podcast, former Kilkenny defender Jackie Tyrrell says the news that centre-half Ciarán Joyce is marked absent is a severe blow for manager Pat Ryan, with the reshuffling not an ideal scenario for a vulnerable looking defence.

"Ciarán Joyce missing is a huge hole," he said. "It looks like Rob Downey will go to six, but I’d have huge questions over that. Maybe Tim O’Mahony will go there, and Downey will go on the wing.

"I like Eoin Downey at three and that is a big plus for them.

"They have the scoring forwards and a pacey midfield, but can they somehow get a defensive performance out of six backs, supported by two in midfield, to hold out this potent Limerick attack?"

Dónal Óg Cusack feels Cork need to find a fresh hunger in defence if they are to pull off a season-saving win against Limerick next weekend