THE FORMER under-21 star Johnny Brenner has been dropped from a Waterford hurling team that includes five players making their championship debut. Manager Gerald McCarthy and his selectors caused a few ripples of surprise when naming the side to face Limerick in Sunday's Munster championship first round at Semple Stadium, Thurles.

Brenner hasn't been in particularly good form recently and together with Tom Fives his regular midfield partner for most of this season's National League is named on the bench for the county's championship opener.

Into the centre comes Tony Browne, better known as a half back and back in the team after serving a one-month suspension, incurred for being sent off in the league match against Dublin. He is joined by Peter Queally who is familiar with the central positions and has played centre back and centre forward.

Also back, after an injury which kept him out of most of the League programme, is team captain Fergal Hartley who is named at left wing back.

The debutants are goalkeeper Ray Whitty, although he has extensive league experience; James O'Connor at full back; Paul Power on the right wing of the attack; Dave Bennett on the left; and Micheal White at left corner forward.

Former captain Brian Greene is named on the bench although he has been outstanding in the league. He is recovering from an injury.

Three Limerick players will make their championship debuts. They are Albert Shanahan, who plays in goal in place of Joe Quaid, and the Moran brothers, Ollie at halfback and James at corner forward.

Ciaran Carey, as expected, has been ruled out with an ankle in jury. Mark Foley, who has recovered from injury, goes to centre halfback with Mike Houlihan and Sean O'Neill in midfield.

Mike Galligan earns a recall and will operate on the right wing of attack with Gary Kirby returning to his favourite position as leader of the attack.

Fortunately for Limerick Stephen McDonagh and Declan Nash are fit to take up their corner back positions.