O'Gara gets the nod ahead of his great Ulster rival David Humphreys with coach Eddie O'Sullivan also bringing Kevin Maggs back into the fray.

In all, there are two changes of personnel and one positional switch from the side that started Ireland's last outing, the second Test against the All Blacks in June.

The pack from that game remains intact with Simon Easterby continuing at blindside after Eric Millar's rib injury saw him opting out on Monday evening.

Renews partnership

The changes are all behind the scrum with Munster's John Kelly moving back to his normal right-wing berth after filling in as an emergency centre against New Zealand.

However, O'Sullivan's worries in midfield are now eased with Maggs and Rob Henderson back to full health.

Maggs broke his arm playing for Bath in a Zurich Premiership match against Leicester last March, but returns to win his 40th cap and renews his centre partnership with Brian O'Driscoll.

The other change in the three-quarters sees Denis Hickie returning to the left wing in place of the injured Geordan Murphy.

Hickie missed the tour to New Zealand as he required surgery for a shoulder problem.

But the biggest talking point is at half-back - a debate which has raged for three years now.

There is, though, a doubt over number eight Anthony Foley, who is still suffering from a rib injury.