Rice gets nod as Cats opt for same again

MICHAEL RICE has been named in the Kilkenny team to start against Waterford in tomorrow’s All-Ireland semi-final.

The Carrickshock man is included in Brian Cody’s line-up despite recently injuring his shoulder and chest.

The 2009 All Star picked up the problem in a recent club league game against Erin’s Own but has been selected in midfield although it’s possibly he could again swap positions with TJ Reid at right-half forward.

Cody has named the same 15 that started in the Leinster final win over Dublin last month with Brian Hogan captaining the side and Henry Shefflin leading the forward line.

Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald has also been able to select the same side that began the All-Ireland quarter-final against Galway 13 days ago.

However, the Clare native has made a number of positional switches in the Déise attack.

Captain Stephen Molumphy, who started at left-corner forward in Thurles the last day, is named at centre-forward, with John Mullane returning to his more customary spot in the full-forward line.

Eoin Kelly, who played at right-corner forward against Galway, has been named in the other corner for tomorrow’s game.

Despite suffering knocks in the quarter-final, both Tony Browne and Michael “Brick” Walsh have both been passed fit to start.

Aidan Fogarty, who has recovered from breaking his leg against Offaly in April, having recently played in a training game, is not listed among the Kilkenny substitutes.