Brian Cody has named his Kilkenny team for the Allianz National Hurling League opener against Cork. 

The side was picked in the knowledge that the Cats are already without the services of the Ballyhale Shamrocks contingent and have also had to plan without the injured Power brothers and Eoin Larkin.

Paul Murphy has been moved from right corner back to the centre of the back line, while Darren Brennan, Padraig Gahan, Ger Malone, Bill Staunton, Kevin Kelly and Keith Hogan are the newcomers brought onto the bench.

Kilkenny XV: Eoin Murphy; Tomas Keogh, Paul Murphy, Jackie Tyrell; Brian Kennedy, Kieran Joyce, Cillian Buckley; Conor Fogarty, Lester Ryan; Padraig Walsh, Walter Walsh, Mathew Ruth; Mark Kelly, Jonjo Farrell, Richie Hogan

Subs: Darren Brennan, Willie Phelan, Michael Walsh, Shane Prendergast, Geoff Brennan, Joe Lyng, Padraig Gahan, Bill Staunton, Ger Malone, Keith Hogan, Kevin Kelly