Getting out of Leinster is the “first ambition” Brian Cody has for his Kilkenny team this year but he says they will be up against a “top team” in Nowlan Park this Saturday.

The Cats boss is a long-time admirer of the Dublin hurlers so he won’t be taking anything for granted ahead of the opening weekend clash with Mattie Kenny’s charges.

“Dublin are a top team. I'm saying that a long time. They are. A top team. Serious, serious panel,” he outlined to the Irish Independent at last week’s Leinster SHC launch.

“Look at their league. They beat Tipperary in the quarter-final in Thurles. That was a statement enough for anybody who hadn't realised at that stage how good they are.

“You say we ran Limerick close last year, Limerick beat Dublin by three points in the league semi-final. Dublin are up there with the very best teams.

“Of course we are playing them and you can say, 'Sure you would say that'. But I believe it. It's the truth, the truth.”

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