O'Leary to face All Blacks

Ireland coach Declan Kidney sprang a surprise on Tuesday by naming Tomas O'Leary at scrum-half for Saturday's clash with New Zealand at Croke Park.

O'Leary has been given the nod ahead of Eoin Reddan, who drops to the bench as one of six changes to the side which thumped Canada 55-0 last weekend.

The 25-year-old O'Leary, unavailable against Canada because of a foot injury, won his only cap in Argentina last year and has been rewarded for an impressive season at Munster.

Kidney has opted for the experience of Girvan Dempsey at full-back, recalling the Leinsterman at the expense of promising rookie Keith Earls.

Two changes in the front row see prop John Hayes and hooker Rory Best replace Tony Buckley and Jerry Flannery, who settle for a place among the substitutes.

A tough call in the back row sees Alan Quinlan usurp Stephen Ferris, a star performer against Canada, at blindside flanker, with David Wallace replacing Shane Jennings in the number seven jersey.

Brian O'Driscoll will lead the team for the 50th time as Ireland seek their first victory over the All Blacks in 22 Tests.

"The changes weren't easy because the boys did well against Canada at the weekend," said Kidney.

"We have selected a team with a skill set that gives us the best possible chance on Saturday."