A series of injuries will prevent Tipperary from opening the defence of their All-Ireland hurling title at full strength. The team that starts Sunday's Munster Championship quarter-final with Clare at Páirc Uí Chaoimh shows five changes from that which won the All-Ireland last September.

Two of those changes, Noel Morris at midfield and John O'Brien at full forward, mark first championship starts although both players appeared last season as substitutes.

Donnacha Fahey returns to corner back in place of the injured Paul Ormonde, as does Conor Gleeson at midfield instead of the injured Eddie Enright.

O'Brien is the replacement for the retired Declan Ryan at full forward, with the remaining changes coming in the half forward line. Team captain Tomás Dunne moves up to centre forward in a direct swap for the injured John Carroll, while Brian O'Meara - who missed last year's final through suspension - is named at wing forward ahead of Mark O'Leary. O'Leary has returned to training in the last week following injury but O'Meara has been given preference by manager Nicky English on this occasion.

Ormonde, Enright and Carroll were not in contention for places because of injuries and remain on the doubtful list for the coming weeks.

Added to the panel last night was Ken Dunne, another brother of team captain Tomás. The third brother, Benny Dunne, was in contention for the corner back after some notable league form but may yet make an appearance.

Sunday's game marks the seventh meeting between Clare and Tipperary in the last five years, with the score standing at 3-3 with one draw.