Somewhat surprisingly, Kerry boss Jack O'Connor has named a full-strength side for the clash, and even included skipper Declan O'Sullivan, who has only just recovered from injury.

Big guns Seamus Moynihan, Dara Ó Sé and Mike Francis Russell return to the Kingdom line-up - the trio are the only changes O'Connor has made from the 15 players who lined out in last year's All-Ireland final.

Moynihan comes in at centre-back for Eamon Fitzmaurice, Ó Sé returns to midfield as Paul Galvin moves to the half-forward line and Declan O'Sullivan moves to the full-forward line, to the exclusion of Dara Ó Cinnéide.

Mike Frank Russell takes over from Johnny Crowley, who has retired since last year's victory over Mayo.

Tipperary boast former Kildare defender Brian Lacey in their line-up, with the Tipp town native set for his championship debut for the Premier men.

Lacey moved to Kildare and played at corner-back in the 1998 All-Ireland final which the Lilywhites lost to Galway.

Lacey lines out at centre-back and joins left corner-back Peter King in making his debut against the Munster and All-Ireland champions.

Kerry, who are favourites to retain their Munster and All-Ireland titles, should open the defence of their provincial crown with a comfortable win because, even with Declan Browne in their ranks, a Tipp victory is still a bridge too far for the home side.

KERRY (SFC v Tipperary): D Murphy; A O'Mahony, M McCarthy, T O'Sullivan; T Ó Sé, S Moynihan, M Ó Sé; D Ó Sé, W Kirby; P Galvin, E Brosnan, L Hassett; C Cooper, D O'Sullivan, MF Russell.

TIPPERARY (SFC v Kerry): P Fitzgerald; D Byrne, N Curran, P King; P Morrissey, B Lacey, R Costigan; K Mulryan, F O'Callaghan; G Burke, L England, P Cahill; B Hickey, D Browne, B Mulvihill.