Munster lock Paul O'Connell will win his 53rd Ireland cap

Heineken Cup winners Munster provide seven of the Ireland forwards for Saturday's Test against New Zealand.

It might have been eight but flanker Alan Quinlan was ruled out with a thigh strain and Leinster's Jamie Heaslip will start at number eight.

Four of the backs are from Leinster with Luke Fitzgerald getting a chance at centre, partnering Brian O'Driscoll.

Robert Kearney is chosen ahead of Girvan Dempsey at full-back with Jerry Flannery at hooker ahead of Rory Best.

Skipper O'Driscoll joined the Irish camp on Monday, having remained at home after the departure of the larger squad because of the sudden death of a close friend.

"All I want to say about last week was that it was a brutal week in my life and a lot of my friends' lives," he said.

"It came as a shock and I suppose rugby was secondary for that period of time."

O'Driscoll believes the recent successes of Leinster, in winning the Magners League, and Munster (Heineken Cup), plus Eoin Reddan winning the Guinness Premiership final with Wasps, ensures Ireland will be confident going into the Wellington Test.

"There are guys back and used to winning things," he added. "When you put all that into the melting pot it is a great combination to have."

Ireland: R Kearney, S Horgan, Brian O'Driscoll (cpt), L Fitzgerald, T Bowe, R O'Gara, E Reddan, J Heaslip, D Wallace, D Leamy, D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell, J Hayes, J Flannery, M Horan.
Replacements: G Dempsey, P Wallace, P Stringer, S Jennings, M O'Driscoll, T Buckley, R Best.