With the round-robin format finished in Leinster and almost at an end in Munster, it is safe to say the new structure has been a resounding success. We now know that Galway and Kilkenny will contest the Leinster final with Wexford progressing to a preliminary quarter-final against Carlow or Westmeath.
In Munster, the Munster final spots will be delegated this week with Clare, Limerick and Cork all in contention. As a reminder, the rolling All-Stars are a bid to combat the recency bias that tends to prioritise the latest performances over just as impressive but forgotten earlier ones. For example, Peter Duggan was superb for Clare last weekend, but did he do enough to out Joe Canning who had strong showings against Kilkenny and Wexford?
Here are the latest rolling All-Stars after another weekend of jam-packed action.
1. Anthony Nash
The in-form goalkeeper thus far. Combating his puck-outs will be key for any side hoping to overcome the Rebels.
2. Colm Spillane
The Castlelyons clubman is on course for his first All-Star of the year, with only an already eliminated Waterford in his county's way of a Munster final spot.
3. Daithi Burke
Galway handed an opportunity to Paul Killeen and Aidan Harte last weekend as they had already secured a final spot, but such is Burke's importance that he once again started in the full-back line and limited Danny Sutcliffe to one point.
4. Adrian Tuohy (out) - Pat O'Connor (in)
After a rough start, it was not Clare's usual suspects who pulled them back into the game. A team that usually leads from the midfield and the front, the backs stepped up and got back on top. O'Connor's last-minute leap and catch after Clare went a point up was the cherry on top of yet another superb performance from the Clare captain.
5. Padraic Mannion
In the form of his life, the hurler of the year on current standings.
6. Gearoid McInerney
The Galway man is safe for another week at least.
7. Chris Crummey
Crummey is arguably the highlight of Dublin's campaign. The 23-year-old was appointed captain during the league and was one of the best players on the pitch against both Kilkenny and Offaly. Paudie Foley deserves a mention for his first half against Kilkenny.
8. Darragh Fitzgibbon
Holds onto his spot despite a good weekend for Rian McBride.
9. Noel McGrath (out) – Cian Lynch (in)
0-3 from play in the first half against Waterford for Lynch in a man-of-the-match performance. Suffered a knock but should return this weekend. This looks like a coming of age season for the Limerick midfielder.
Special word today for @LimerickCLG players. Stayed in pitch for ages to neet young kids (and some not so young!) Cian Lynch went off injured was still in pitch almost an hour after whistle. Great bunch of players and management. #sundaygame
— Rob (@Ocean_handrail) June 10, 2018
10. Aonghus Clarke
Ever since he hit 0-7 against Meath, Clarke has gone from strength to strength with Westmeath and scored 0-4 against Carlow on Saturday. Can now look forward to a Joe McDonagh Cup final in Croke Park as well as a home preliminary quarter-final.
11. Pairc Mahony (out) - TJ Reid (in)
It just didn't happen for Waterford this year. Meanwhile, as Richie Hogan and Colin Fennelly were watching on, TJ Reid ran riot for Kilkenny and was once again their star in a dramatic comeback win over Wexford.
12. Joe Canning
Last year's hurler of the year has carried that form into this season.
13. Seamus Flanagan
The return of Shane Dowling, who hit a monster 0-15, freed up Flanagan to gravitate out the field and play more of a roaming role. Limerick have strength in depth to alter an already excellent forward line.
14. John Conlon
May's hurler of the month holds onto his spot ahead of a massive tie at home against Limerick.
15. Graeme Mulcahy
Took his goal well. A tireless inside forward who works hard with or without the ball.
