BRIAN CODY HAS named his starting XV ahead of the make-or-break All-Ireland qualifier with Tipperary this week.
And despite some intense speculation this week, injured talisman Henry Shefflin has not been pressed into action for the first time this season.
The Ballyhale Shamrocks man is not even on the panel along with Michael Fennelly and Paul Murphy.
The injured Cillian Buckley is replaced by Lester Ryan while captain Colin Fennelly is in for TJ Reid.
Earlier tonight, Eamon O’Shea showed his hand when naming a Tipperary XV boasting four changes.
Kilkenny XV: Eoin Murphy (Glenmore), Conor Fogarty (Erin’s Own), JJ Delaney (Fenians), Jackie Tyrell (James Stephens), Tommy Walsh, (Tullaroan), Brian Hogan (O’Loughlin Gaels), Kieran Joyce (Rower Inistioge), Michael Rice (Carrickshock), Lester Ryan (Clara), Walter Walsh (Tullogher Rosbercon), Richie Power (Carrickshock), Eoin Larkin (James Stephens), Colin Fennelly (Ballyhale), Richie Hogan (Danesfort), Aidan Fogarty (Emeralds).
