Cody names unchanged team for semi-final

It comes as no surprise that Kilkenny manager Brian Cody has tonight opted to name an unchanged team for Sunday's All-Ireland SHC semi-final against Waterford at Croke Park (throw-in 3.30pm).

Training went off without a hitch this week, so Cody has stuck with the side that started the Cats' Leinster Championship final victory over Dublin five weeks ago.

There are some positional switches listed, with Noel Hickey named at full-back and Paul Murphy selected in the right corner. Former Hurler of the Year JJ Delaney is positioned at left half-back.

Michael Rice injured himself in training last weekend but is fit to take his place in midfield alongside Michael Fennelly.

Kilkenny are expected to advance to their 11th All-Ireland final - the sixth in succession - since Cody was appointed at the end of 1998. They beat Waterford by 2-16 to 1-13 in this year's Allianz Hurling League, helped by healthy scoring contributions from Richie Hogan (0-7), TJ Reid (1-2) and Colin Fennelly (1-2).

"Our sights are set on being in the All-Ireland final. Kilkenny have never found it easy against Waterford in the Championship. They won't on Sunday either," Cody told the Kilkenny People.

"The character and resilience Waterford showed (to come back and beat Galway) was of the highest order. They proved they had what every team wanting to be winners needs - great resilience, character and mental toughness.”

KILKENNY (SHC v Waterford): David Herity; Paul Murphy, Noel Hickey, Jackie Tyrrell; Tommy Walsh, Brian Hogan (capt), JJ Delaney; Michael Fennelly, Michael Rice; TJ Reid, Richie Power, Eoin Larkin; Colin Fennelly, Henry Shefflin, Richie Hogan.

Substitutes: PJ Ryan, Michael Kavanagh, John Dalton, Paddy Hogan, James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick, Eddie Brennan, Conor Fogarty, Kieran Joyce, Richie Doyle, John Mulhall, Matthew Ruth.