Hurling Analyst: The fact that it was an exciting match with a nerve-shredding finale couldn't gloss over the fact that the general standard of hurling at Semple Stadium was very poor, two teams struggling to cope and offering up so many mistakes many of them basic, writes Brian Whelahan.

As a spectacle the tension compensated somewhat for the poor fare, but both teams will be aware of the huge strides they will have to make in time for next Saturday's replay. Tipperary will be the more relieved at yesterday's outcome. Although they led in the dying seconds and it was Limerick that equalised to earn a second chance, it was Ken Hogan's team that had been second best for most of the afternoon.

Limerick will definitely rue the fact that they didn't take what was a golden opportunity in Thurles. They did show character to come back when sucker-punched by Tipp's second goal, but even that might seem a little hollow this morning.

Limerick manager Joe McKenna will reflect on a couple of switches that he made that didn't really work out, notably moving Ollie Moran out of the half back line. It was a decision that facilitated Tipperary's revival and ultimately took the player out of the game.

The folly of leaving Damien Reale on Ger "Redser" O'Grady was cruelly exposed in the Tipperary substitute's goal, a score that basically revitalised his flagging team. Any aerial contest between a six foot one inch forward and a five foot six inch back is likely to have only one winner. Stephen Lucey - he had a fine match - should have been switched onto O'Grady immediately. This was an elementary mistake at a crucial time in the contest.

Tipperary have so many issues to address before next weekend. The delivery from their half back line was dreadful with clearances just belted away without finding a colleague, instead feeding ball to the Limerick backs. There would have been some mitigation if they were under tremendous pressure but more often than not they weren't.

I couldn't understand why Eamonn Corcoran was picked on the opposite wing. He looked very uncomfortable and was a shadow of the hurler we have come to know over the last few years. Maybe his injury played against him.

Eoin Kelly was virtually reduced to the role of a bystander after the first 15 to 20 minutes. Starved of any ball he eventually had to come out to the half forward line and this gamble was as much an admission that Tipperary would content themselves with trying for long range points. Players like Paddy O'Brien and Lar Corbett are pacy forwards who like ball put out in front of them not coming down from the clouds.

Donnacha Sheahan's goal helped to settle Limerick at a time when they looked absolutely petrified and unsure. It lifted them and they should have won the match.

TJ Ryan was a colossus for his team, taking responsibility in general play and the placed ball. He struck the penalty well but I felt that the referee got it wrong in his original decision overlooking the fact that about 11 steps were taken before the player was felled. Brendan Cummins should probably have saved it and I thought he might have done better for the first goal.

Limerick were dominant at midfield and with Eoin Kelly shoved to the periphery of the match, Benny Dunne struggling to make an impact and Philly Maher curiously subdued, they should have won the game. Lucey was an important cog in the performance of their full back line.

There is no doubt that Hogan is the more relieved of the two managers. While both teams will profit from the extra match Clare manager Anthony Daly and his charges certainly won't be quaking having watched this match.

Although Limerick will be happy to take their opponents to the Gaelic Grounds, they might just have left their best chance of a Munster Hurling Championship semi-final place at Semple Stadium yesterday. I fancy Tipperary might make the better fist of their reprieve.