Kerry have made five changes from the side that played Derry in the final round of the Allianz Hurling League for Saturday's Christy Ring Cup opener against Down.

Team captain Paud Costello and Brian Murphy return to the full back line, Tom Murnane and Brendan Brosnan come in at centre back and midfield respectively, while former Kilkenny star Willie O'Dwyer starts at top of the left.

The players to lose out are Patrick O'Keeffe, Tommy Barrett, Rory Horgan, Gary O'Brien and Sean Maunsell.

Kerry (SH v Down): B Rochford; B Murphy, L Boyle, P Costello; D O'Connell, T Murnane, D Dineen; J Griffin, B Brosnan; D Collins, B O'Leary, C Harty; S Nolan, A Boyle, W O'Dwyer. Tweet

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