Michael Breen admits Tipperary couldn't match the "work-rate" and "intensity" of Cork in Thurles on Sunday afternoon.
The Rebels ran out four-point winners at Semple Stadium to topple the reigning All Ireland champions and consign them to a second consecutive defeat - following their loss to Galway in the hurling league final.
Kieran Kingston's side will now advance to the Munster SHC semi-final against Waterford and Breen says Cork were a constant menace.
"It was fast, intense, Cork were in our face the whole time," he told TippFM's Stephen Gleeson after the game.
"Championship is always a step up from the league. They brought the intensity and the workrate. We tried to match it, but it just wasn't enough on the day. That's the way things go."
Tipp manager Michael Ryan said after the game that Cork were back to their best, but Breen said that his side were never taking their performances for granted.
"Cork are a good hurling side. They work hard and I suppose last year wasn't a true reflection of that team. They did definitely show up today. Unfortunately we didn't have enough to match it but that's sport."
Asked what needed to change in the coming weeks, Breen replied: "Workrate is the only thing we can do. We get back in here and work our socks off.
"It's tough coming in as number one from last year but last year is over. We've an 'x' on our back now, so we'll have to come up with something new for the rest of the year."
He added: "Today wasn't good enough. The Munster championship is over for Tipperary."
Under Pressure: Cork's Colm Spillane, Mark Coleman and Damian Cahalane close down John McGrath during yesterday's game in Thurles. Image: ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan
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