Kilkenny make five changes for NHL clash with Tipperary

Kilkenny manager Brian Cody has made a raft of changes for this weekend's Allianz National Hurling League clash with Tipperary in FBD Semple Stadium.

Cody has changed a fifth of the team that defeated Antrim last Sunday with Eoin Murphy, Evan Cody, Niall Brassil, Cian Kenny and Richie Leahy all coming in to start.

All star goalkeeper Eoin Murphy makes his first appearance of the season at Darren Brennan's expense while an injury to Conor Delaney rules him out with Niall Brassil and Evan Cody both coming in to start with Tommy Walsh also missing out.

Brassil will be part of the Institute of Technology, Carlow side that are in Fitzgibbon Cup semi-final action during the week and his club and college teammate Cian Kenny joins him in the Kilkenny starting 15 alongside Paddy Deegan at midfield with Mikey Carey reverting to wing back.

The final change sees a return to action for Richie Leahy with the Rower-Inistioge man debutising for James Bergin.

Kilkenny team to face Tipperary: Eoin Murphy (Glenmore); Mikey Butler (O'Loughlin Gaels), Huw Lawlor (O'Loughlin Gaels), Evan Cody (Dicksboro); Mikey Carey (Young Irelands), Niall Brassil (James Stephens), David Blanchfield (Bennettsbridge); Cian Kenny (James Stephens), Paddy Deegan (O'Loughlin Gaels); Richie Leahy (Rower-Inistioge), Padraig Walsh (Tullaroan), Tom Phelan (Conahy Shamrocks); Billy Ryan (Graigue-Ballycallan), Martin Keoghan (Tullaroan), John Donnelly (Thomastown).