Anthony Daly feels the 2017 All Ireland hurling championship will be more competitive than some observers may be suggesting.
Reigning All Ireland champions Tipperary are favourites after seeing off Kilkenny in last year's final at Croke Park.
Daly took in the thrilling 2-17 to 3-14 draw between Tipp and Kilkenny in the Allianz Hurling League on Saturday in a repeat of last year's All Ireland decider and the former Clare and Dublin hurling manager believes other counties have a chance of mounting a challenge against the preeminent Premier county.
"I would still say Tipp are the best team in the country but there was a lot of people saying they were miles ahead," he said on Off The Ball.
"There's a few counties who would be fancying their chances on a given day that they could turn them over."
Daly also watched the match between his former sides Clare and Dublin, which saw the Munster side win out by 0-20 to 1-15.
Ex-Clare hurler Jamesie O'Connor had told Off The Ball that the Banner were missing "natural ball winners".
Daly looked at other tactical considerations within the Clare team as joint managers Donal Moloney and Gerry O'Connor bed in their new system.
"Podge Collins is crucial to it. He comes back. They're not playing a sweeper and that very much leaves the half back line free to sit and free to attack. David Fitzgerald is amazing when he gets the ball," said Daly.
"It certainly allows [Brendan] Bugler and [Conor] Cleary to sit. I think Podge is probably key to their game but you've a lot to come back. Colm Galvin comes back, Conor McGrath, Tony Kelly and a couple more."
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
