Simon Easterby had been doubtful with a nose injury

The Llanelli Scarlets flanker had been a doubt after surgery on a broken nose, but he and fellow injury concern Shane Horgan are both included in the team.

Tommy Bowe and Anthony Horgan get the wing berths but veteran Anthony Foley does not even make the bench.

Brian O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell and Denis Hickie are all unavailable.

The Lions trio were all ruled out some time ago because of injury.

Shane Horgan had been a doubt because of a shoulder problem.

The Irish team includes only eight of the line-up which started against Wales in the final RBS 6 Nations game last season.

Six of the seven replacements are from Ulster but youngster Andrew Trimble joins Munster veteran Foley in being left out of the match-day 22.

Rookie Rory Best is named on the bench alongside his brother, Simon while upcapped Neil Best, who is no relation, David Humphreys, Matt McCullough and Kieran Campbell are also included in the replacements.

I said I'd go with the form team Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan said 42-cap Easterby had received final clearance to play on Tuesday morning after proving his fitness in training.

"The specialist has given him the go-ahead. He's just come off the training field and is good to go," said the Ireland coach.

O'Sullivan added that he had gone on current form in selecting Denis Leamy ahead of Foley at number eight.

"I said I'd go with the form team and that applies to the back row we've selected.

"All three players are good on the ball and are good defenders. It's the best combination we have available."

O'Sullivan acknowledged that his side will be up against it in Saturday's game.

"With the number of injuries to some of our big players, it makes it an even worse scenario for us," said O'Sullivan.

"Even if we had a full team ready to go, it would still be a massive challenge."

Ireland have never beaten the All Blacks.

Ireland: G Murphy, T Bowe, G D'Arcy, S Horgan, A Horgan, R O'Gara, P Stringer, M Horan, S Byrne, J Hayes, D O'Callaghan, M O'Kelly, S Easterby (capt), J O'Connor, D Leamy.
Replacements: R Best, S Best, M McCullough, N Best, K Campbell, D Humphreys, G Dempsey.