Paddy Wallace with play at centre against New Zealand

Paddy Wallace will play at centre for Ireland in Saturday's Test against New Zealand after Luke Fitzgerald had to withdraw because of an ankle injury.

The Leinster rising star's recovery proved to be slower than expected so Wallace was promoted from the bench.

Seasoned Leicester back Geordan Murphy is added to the Ireland replacements.

"You never want to benefit from somebody else's misfortune, but playing against the All Blacks is going to be a huge challenge," said Ulster's Wallace.

"They are the top team in the world and have some superb players across the park. You always want to test yourself against the best, so this is going to be a big game.

"I have been playing a lot of my rugby in the centres for Ulster this season, so I don't have any concerns about being able to slot into the position with Brian O'Driscoll."

Wallace will be giving away the best part of four stone to opposite number Ma'a Nonu, but team manager Joey Miles insisted: "I'm sure Paddy is more than up to it."

Heineken Cup winners Munster provide seven of the Ireland forwards for Saturday's game in Wellington.

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.

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

Ulster back row Stephen Ferris has been called into the squad as cover for Quinlan.

Ferris has been pulled out of the 'A' team for the Churchill Cup and will meet up with the rest of the Ireland squad in Melbourne on Sunday.

Ireland: R Kearney, S Horgan, Brian O'Driscoll (cpt), P Wallace, 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, G Murphy, P Stringer, S Jennings, M O'Driscoll, T Buckley, R Best.