Duignan surprised by Tipp selection

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Tipperary will have a much changed line-up for Sunday's league clash with Kilkenny - a selection that has surprised RTÉ pundit Michael Duignan.

In total, Tipperary have made eight changes to the side which lost to the Cats in last year’s All-Ireland hurling final for the Division 1A meeting at Nowlan Park.

The recently retired Lar Corbett, Brendan Cummins, Eoin Kelly, Shane McGrath, Seamus Callanan and Patrick Maher will be missing from the Premier line-up.

Manager Declan Ryan has handed debuts to Donagh Maher and Adrian Ryan in defence, while David Young, a noted wing-back, will partner Brendan Maher in midfield.

Speaking on Morning Ireland, Duignan said: "I was surprised when I heard the announcement of the team. Nowlan Park is a tough place to go to, so I thought Declan would have gone with more experience.

"Maybe he’s throwing down the gauntlet to other players in the squad. Tipperary did not play anywhere close to their potential last September so maybe now is the opportunity to broaden the net.

"Sunday’s match will be interesting with no Lar Corbett, Eoin Kelly and Brendan Cummins in action. Kilkenny will have a settled side on view, so you would expect them to take the points."

This year’s league comprises a new structure and a side who suffers an opening day defeat will be under pressure straight away. Duignan anticipates competitive fare over the course of the top flight campaign.

He added: "Waterford have a new manager in Michael Ryan; Jimmy Barry Murphy has returned to Cork, while much will be expected in Galway with Anthony Cunningham’s arrival.

"This trio will be trying to put their stamp on their squads, as they try out new players. The Kilkenny and Dublin squads are settled, and I thought the same would be the case in Tipperary until they opted for experimentation. Galway are starting eight U-21s against Dublin. Jimmy Barry Murphy has recalled Seán Óg Ó hAilpín to the Cork side – sixteen years after his debut.

"Seán Óg will start at midfield against Waterford and will interesting to see how this works out, along with Jimmy Barry’s return to the management ranks.

"Some will say that the League is for trying out new systems, but with only six teams in the division this year, a couple of defeats early on will leave you trying to avoid relegation."