Kilkenny unchanged for SHC decider

Following in Waterford's footsteps, Kilkenny have also named an unchanged team for tomorrow's GAA Hurling All-Ireland senior final against the Deise at Croke Park, throw-in 3.30pm.

Brian Cody, who is managing the Cats in an All-Ireland final for the eighth time, has stuck by the team which claimed a 1-23 to 0-17 semi-final win over Cork on August 10.

Kilkenny have lifted the Liam McCarthy Cup it under Cody's guidance in 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2007 and they lost in 1999 and 2004.

There is one positional change to the side that overcame Cork. Former Hurler of the Year Henry Shefflin has been moved to full-forward with Martin Comerford reverting to the right half-forward berth.

Despite that switch, a number of further changes could be made to the Kilkenny attack and elsewhere around the pitch as the Cats management try to outfox Davy Fitzgerald and his selectors.

Shefflin, who has scored 1-27 to date in the 2008 championship, Comerford, Richie Power and Eddie Brennan all switched positions at some stage during the Cork game.

Indeed, it is anticipated that Shefflin could end up at centre-forward at some stage on Sunday, which would set up a fascinating personal duel with Deise star Ken McGrath.

Derek Lyng, who slotted in at centre-forward for the Leinster final win over Wexford, will continue his midfield partnership with team captain James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick.

The defence is along familiar lines with goalkeeper PJ Ryan, who is set to play in his second All-Ireland senior final, marshalling them.

This weekend Kilkenny are seeking an elusive three in-a-row and their 31st All-Ireland title in all, which put them into the lead one ahead of Cork on the all-time honours table.

The last time Kilkenny completed the All-Ireland three in-a-row was 1913. Cork were the county last to chalk up a three in-a-row (1976, 1977 and 1978).

Interestingly, Cody's men have remained unbeaten in the championship since losing to Galway in the 2005 All-Ireland semi-final. They have won 13 games since then.

KILKENNY (SHC v Waterford) - PJ Ryan; M Kavanagh, N Hickey, J Tyrrell; T Walsh, B Hogan, JJ Delaney; J Fitzpatrick (capt), D Lyng; M Comerford, R Power, E Larkin; E Brennan, H Shefflin, A Fogarty.

Click here to listen to Irish Examiner experts Tony Considine and Donal O'Grady, along with Diarmuid O'Flynn and Michael Moynihan, discuss the strengths of both sides and the pressure that they will be under in the run-up to Sunday's contest.