1. James McGarry

Age: 27. Height: 6'0". Club: Bennettsbridge.

He doesn't make spectacular saves because he doesn't have to. He is generally in the right position to block the ball and doesn't have to go diving all over the place. Has been coached very well under Noel Skehan and has good breeding as well as a relation to D J Carey.

2. Philip Larkin

Age: 25. Height: 5'11'. Club: James Stephens.

Came on against Clare when they made some adjustments in the backs because of injuries and he's done well enough to keep his place. A little small but I don't think that will come against him. If he is anything like his father Fan then he has tremendous potential.

3. Canice Brennan

Age: 27. Height: 5'11". Club: Conahy-Shamrocks.

In the difficult position of full back where he may not be at his best. Still, he has done well so far and added some solidity to the full-back line while also giving the goalkeeper some added protection. But it will be a tough job to mark Joe Deane.

4. Willie O'Connor

Age: 32. Height: 5'7". Club: Glenmore.

He will play his own role in his own way and you can never argue with the effectiveness of his style. He is rarely beaten and on top of that has more experience that anyone. This has been one of his great seasons as well and there is sure to be another great display from him.

5. Michael Kavanagh

Age: 20. Height: 5'10". Club: St Lachtains.

Something of an unsung hero as he is one of those players you may not notice even though they are working very effectively. Has fitted very nicely into this half-back line and I expect him to play another quiet but important role tomorrow.

6. Pat O'Neill

Age: 28. Height: 6'2". Club: Young Irelands.

Has plenty of experience and his strongest asset remains his ability to win a dropping ball and then clear it effectively off to the forwards. Has made a great comeback and works well with O'Connor while also providing similar motivation for the whole team.

7. Peter Barry

Age: 24. Height: 6'0". Club: James Stephens.

Also came back into the picture in the Clare match and produced an outstanding game. Has been around a while now but I believe is playing some of his best hurling so far. Can move the ball very effectively but will still need to be on top of his game from the start.

8. Andy Comerford

Age: 26. Height: 6'2". Club: O'Loughlin-Gaels.

Has grown in experience and confidence in the last few years. Has great ability, especially in his skill in running with the ball. Is also capable of an excellent sideline hit which set up one of Kilkenny's goals this season. The main link between the half backs and half forwards.

9. Denis Byrne (capt)

Age: 24. Height: 6'0". Club: Graigue-Ballycallan.

Started off at corner forward where he performed very well for both club and county. Went away for a while and is now back as a more mature player and has played a faultless role for Kilkenny throughout the championship. Will be looking for another solid performance here.

10. D J Carey

Age: 28. Height: 5'11". Club: Young Irelands.

What can you say that has not already been said. Must be policed by Cork because he can set off on a sudden run as soon as he sees an opening, and that's usually before anybody else. He's doing in bursts now what he could do over periods of time years ago but is still a match-winner.

11. John Power

Age: 32. Height: 6'1". Club: John Lockes.

Delighted to be back in the side after being out for a year and as the lynchpin of this team is going to one of the big play-makers among the forwards. He has such strength and ability that he will very easily prove he should never has lost his position in the first place.

12. Brian McEvoy

Age: 24. Height: 5'11". Club: James Stephens.

Has played exceptionally well all season and contributed some wonderful scores. He's fast and very effective with excellent stickwork and he symbolises everything that's dangerous about the Kilkenny attack at the moment. I expect another a few scores at least tomorrow.

13. Ken O'Shea

Age: 23. Height: 5'10". Club: Dunamaggin.

Has tied down his place this year after confirming all his ability and skill. Again the type of player who will be quickly in to pick up any ball that breaks around the square. We saw in the first minute against Clare which was a typical opportunist goal for an alert forward.

14. Henry Shefflin

Age: 20. Height: 6'2". Club: Ballyhale Shamrocks.

A Baptism of fire for another of these younger Kilkenny players after playing in the intermediate side last year. A lovely player that has no lack of ball-playing skill but he will have a tough game against Diarmuid O'Sullivan. Also one of the main free-takers.

15. Charlie Carter

Age: 28. Height: 5'7". Club: Young Irelands. He has been quiet in the last game or two, but that only makes me think that he is due a good one. No doubt over his ability and yet another Kilkenny man who is capable of producing a winning score. Has been there before and certainly has the experience.