Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has made seven changes from the team beaten by France in the Six Nations for the first Test against New Zealand in Dunedin on Saturday.
Ronan O'Gara will start at outhalf ahead of Ulster's David Humphreys and is re-united with Munster half-back partner Peter Stringer for the first time this season.
English-based duo Geordan Murphy and Justin Bishop are named on the wings, while Leinster prop Reg Corrigan comes in for the recently-retired Peter Clohessy.
O'Gara has been largely overlooked by O'Sullivan despite being a major influence in Munster's drive to the Heineken Cup final.
O’Sullivan, however, admits the 25-year-old's extended campaign has won him the right to face the World Cup favourites this weekend.
"David Humphreys has probably suffered from not having too many first class games in the past few weeks," said O'Sullivan.
"It's always a difficult call between the two. Since Ronan came into the squad two years ago it's been close and Ronan has the job on this occasion."
Bishop's inclusion sees Munster back John Kelly switched into the centres to partner Brian O'Driscoll.
"Its a question of getting what you think are your best players on the field," added O'Sullivan.
"John Kelly is comfortable in the centre, Justin Bishop had a good game on Saturday last and Geordan Murphy is back in form."
Ulster second-row Gary Longwell sat out training today with an Achilles problem but is expected to be fit, while Malcolm O'Kelly could be in line for a place on the substitutes bench after recovering from shin splints.
Ireland have yet to beat New Zealand in 15 previous meetings, registering just a single draw in 1973.
They warmed up for the Test with a comprehensive 56-3 win over a New Zealand Divisional XV on Saturday, but face a stiff task against John Mitchell's side, which is based around Super 12 champions Canterbury Crusaders.
IRELAND:G Dempsey (Leinster); G Murphy (Leicester), B O'Driscoll (Leinster), J Kelly (Munster), J Bishop (London Irish); R O'Gara (Munster), P Stringer (Munster); R Corrigan (Leinster), K Wood (Harlequins, cpt), J Hayes (Munster), G Longwell (Ulster), P O'Connell (Munster), S Easterby (Llanelli), K Gleeson (Leinster), A Foley (Munster).
Replacements to be confirmed
PA