THE LAST three balls into the Cork defence were crying out for a Clare hand to pull them down. It would have been difficult for referee Dickie Murphy not to award a free if a forward were rushing into contact. And that surely would have meant extra-time.

But Cork really sorted out their defence yesterday.

I wasn't overly surprised at how flat they were in the first-half. They were coming off such a marvellous performance against Galway and the legs were surely heavy. It was almost as though they needed to be in trouble before the serious business commenced.

The most significant change was a repeat of last week. Once Diarmuid O'Sullivan was called ashore and John Gardiner went back to full back, all their defensive worries seemed to disappear. Niall Gilligan got one decent point when he stretched Gardiner, but really his presence back there finished off Clare.

It may well become a permanent fixture. A changing of the guard almost. It was the key moment in the game for me, and I would be surprised to see Cork's great servant at number three retain the jersey for the All-Ireland semi-final against Kilkenny.

Yesterday's evidence, coupled with the second half against Galway, is clear proof.

Cork are still learning. This fine group of hurlers continue to evolve and now appear to have adjusted to the bedding-in of several younger players this season.

Cathal Naughton is a hugely important figure and switching him to midfield, where he thrives in the open, had a huge effect on their remarkable revival. Tom Kenny's switch to wing back facilitates Naughton at midfield and Gardiner at fullback. It could well be the starting line-up the next day.

And remember the contribution of the relentless Ben O'Connor on the far side of the field. The Newtownshandrum magician posted some fine scores, but he equally punished himself here. He continually tracked back under the new stand, harassing Clare attackers and winning a fair share of dirty ball; one block on Colin Lynch sticks in the mind.

It must be difficult for Gerald McCarthy to manage a panel with so many iconic players, dating back to 1999. He made the brave calls here, but they could have come sooner. O'Sullivan's withdrawal was necessary, and a little late in coming, as was that of last week's hero, Joe Deane, who faded out of the match.

Clare contributed to an excellent game, twice forcing themselves into winning positions, only to allow Cork overrun them.

Realistically, this defeat will forever hurt them as they will know they should've been well clear by the break. Tony Griffin and Niall Gilligan, who had a fine game, were guilty of some terrible wides in the opening half.

The collective forward performance improved, but the shooting stats ultimately prove their undoing again this year. When the pressure came on strong in the second-half and scores became essential to survival, Jonathan Clancy, after firing two great points, missed a chance Clare needed to take.

Clare's second goal by Diarmuid McMahon ensured the game will be marked down as a classic, as it forced Cork to find another gear.

A few years ago we would sit back and wait for the Cork revival, but until the late spurt yesterday - with old hands and younger players both contributing - it was unclear what was left in the Rebel tank.

I believe they can go up another level, and will need to against Kilkenny. This performance will help in the belief process.

It cannot be over-exaggerated how dangerous this game was for Cork. Brian Cody was sitting just in front of me in the stand and he probably would've preferred to face Clare next. They seemed to be playing at their limit here.

The swagger is back in Cork hurling now. They, like Waterford it must also be noted, will bring a menace into the All-Ireland semi-finals.

The Wexford-Waterford contest was desperately hard to call. Wexford rocked them with those two second-half goals and Stephen Doyle looked a class act.

Waterford improved again but it continues to be small steps. John Mullane continued his fine form, while Eoin Kelly is performing on another planet to most fellas - as that goal from the free proved.

There were some signs that Dan Shanahan may turn the corner in time for Tipperary, but others are still well short of the form we have grown accustomed to. Dan's wide count continued yesterday, but his general play has improved. It may not be possible to reach the heights of 2007 again, but he should give the Tipp defence a scare.

Waterford and Cork have been at this juncture before. Cork have regularly won; Waterford have never taken the next step. Kilkenny and Tipperary are justifiably the number one and two seeds, but any improvement from these two teams could alter the balance of power when events switch to Croke Park.

We have the best four teams in the county in a straight shoot-out. What more could hurling ask for as we enter August?