Kilkenny primed as Cody makes two changes

Brian Hogan will make his first appearance of this year's All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship when he lines out for Kilkenny in tomorrow's semi-final clash with Waterford (Croke Park, throw-in 4pm).

Hogan has been named at centre-back in the Kilkenny team to take on the Deise in a repeat of last year's final which Brian Cody's men romped away with.

The O'Loughlin Gaels clubman has been out of action since breaking his collarbone in May's National League final against Tipperary, but has been training well and is itching for a return to Championship hurling.

There are two changes in personnel to the side that won last month's Leinster final, with Hogan coming in for John Dalton indirectly, John Tennyson switching to left half-back and James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick preferred to Derek Lyng in midfield.

Both Dalton and Lyng have been listed amongst the substitutes, along with fit-again defender Noel Hickey who is back after a long injury lay-off.

The All-Star full-back has overcome a Gilmore's groin problem and a recent knee ligament injury to be in contention for his first appearance in county colours this season.

Winners of the National League and Leinster titles this year, Kilkenny are hoping to keep their All-Ireland four in-a-row bid on track

Cody had a near full-strength panel to choose from, with hamstring injury victim James Ryall the only player ruled out.

Speaking to the Kilkenny People, Cody said: "We are looking forward to the game, and we are ready.

"The mood is very good, and the players are working well. This is it - there will be no excuses.

"The prize is huge. A place in the All-Ireland final is massive and we want it."

Producing some stunning hurling, Kilkenny have remained unbeaten in the Championship since losing to Galway in the 2005 All-Ireland semi-final.

They have won 16 successive games since then and are attempting to reach the final for the 10th time in 12 years.

Last year's All-Ireland decider saw Kilkenny dominate and finish as 23-point winners, but Waterford did post a 2-17 to 1-16 league win over the Cats at Walsh Park in March.

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