Kilkenny forward Eoin Cody smashes home the only goal of the game so far.

That's the half-time whistle and Kilkenny have taken a five-point lead into the dressing room.

They have been well on top in that first half and the margin could be a lot bigger but for some incredible goalkeeping by Eibhear Quilligan.

Clare have just not fired, but then they haven't been allowed to. If they are to end their run of semi-final losses to the Cats, there are going to need to be some major changes.

Jamesie O'Connor
Two-time All-Ireland winner with Clare on BBC Sport NI

Kilkenny have picked Clare's pocket time and time again and Kilkenny are making them pay. They have certainly had the better of it and Derek Lyng will be the happier of the two managers.

A bit of indiscipline from Eoin Cody and Kilkenny lose a free, but they Geta score anyway as they win the throw-ball and Billy Ryan drills over.

Quilligan has saved Clare yet again as Martin Keoghan gets a touch to Eoin Cody's line ball, but the Banner goalkeeper keeps it out.

We are just coming up to the break and a goal there could have been a huge boost for Kilkenny.

A big roar from the Clare crowd as David Fitzgerald scores from deep, but the nature of the score will have pleased them as it came from an excellent turnover forced by David McInerney.

You can't take your eyes of this game for one second.

I did and Kilkenny's Eoin Cody stuck the Sliotar in Clare's net, meanwhile at the other end of the pitch, the shrill blast of the ref's whistle brings an end to an off the ball wrestling match.

Image source, Inpho

Billy Ryan adds a point as Shane O'Donnell - temporarily off the field with a blood injury - makes his return. Aidan McCarthy has nailed a free and Clare needed that.

Jamesie O'Connor
Two-time All-Ireland winner with Clare on BBC Sport NI

Nobody expected him to even get a hurley to that. Clare had loads of defenders around, it's a bad goal to give away at the wrong time. I don't think Eibhear Quilligan was expecting it.

TJ Reid with a free and then at the other end, a huge roar as Shane O'Donnell gets on the ball in a decent area, but great Kilkenny defending forces him to overplay it.

McCarthy has just notched his fourth of the half for Clare as the gap returns to two.

Jamesie O'Connor
Two-time All-Ireland winner with Clare on BBC Sport NI

I think Kilkenny have probably had the better of it so far. Eibhear Quilligan has certainly had a lot to do in the Clare goal. The key thing for Clare is that they may have weathered that storm, as there is just two points in it. Kilkenny will be livid, as they have very much had the better of it.

McCarthy and David Reidy halve the gap. However, Clare again were too open in-between as Carey burst through but drove his effort wide.

The Cats tag on scores through Paddy Deegan and David Blanchfield, but they are denied yet again by Quilligan who saves from Mikey Carey. TJ nails the 65, but Clare have got to be concerned about giving up those chances as they could be in real bother if not for their goalkeeper.

Jamesie O'Connor
Two-time All-Ireland winner with Clare on BBC Sport NI

What drama! It shows Kilkenny's mindset because Mullen could easily tap that ball over the bar, but he knows exactly what he's doing. It's a great double save by Eibhear Quilligan.

Clare goalkeeper Eibhear Quilligan makes a stunning double save, first from Cian Kenny and then from Adrian Mullen. But the next Kilkenny attack ends with Kenny pointing.

Aidan McCarthy knocks over the equaliser from a free, but it came from an advantage as Eoin Murphy initially thwarted Mark Rodgers who had been fouled on his way to goal.