Brian O'Driscoll wins his 50th cap as captain against New Zealand © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Brian O'Driscoll | Tomas O'Leary

Teams: Ireland | New Zealand

Ireland have opted for the physical presence of Tomas O'Leary at scrum-half as they seek to end their century-long wait for victory over the All Blacks.

In the biggest shock of six changes made to the side that demolished Canada 55-0 last weekend, O'Leary replaces Eoin Reddan for his first Test start.

The 25-year-old, who at 5ft 11ins and 13.5 stones is more robust than Reddan, claimed his solitary cap as a replacement in Argentina last year and has been rewarded for a fine campaign with Munster.

Son of hurling great Seanie O'Leary, he will be returning to Croke Park on Saturday for the first time since winning All-Ireland minor medals with Cork in 2000 and 2001.

"It's going to be great to run out at Croke Park again - this time in an Ireland jersey," said O'Leary, who has ousted Peter Stringer from the Munster side. "I've been working hard to get back into the Ireland team so I'm really looking forward it.

"I've been improving my game and I feel like I've been feeling the benefits. The All Blacks are the biggest possible way to make your first start. It's nice when the coach has selected you but it's a big squad, so I'm not going to read too much into any selection."

Ireland coach Declan Kidney, eager not to build up expectation on his surprise pick, insists O'Leary had earned his call-up the hard way. "Tomas has worked very hard with several coaches such as (assistant coach) Alan Gaffney," he said. "He's learnt many things, experiencing the ups and downs that every professional has along the way. He has good attributes. He's been playing well the last couple of seasons and is keeping out some exceptionably good players, so he must be good. I think highly of him."

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

"There are several changes that weren't easy because all of the guys played well against Canada," he said. "I believe we've selected a team with the best skill-set to give us a chance against New Zealand.

"The back row possess a wealth of experience at international as well as provincial level, and that's what we hope they'll bring to the team."

Brian O'Driscoll will lead the side for the 50th time on Saturday when Ireland seek their first victory over the All Blacks in 22 Tests.

"This is a huge honour. I never dreamed I'd reach 50 caps as captain," he said. "It's special and you want to make the big occasions by playing the biggest teams. It doesn't get much bigger than the All Blacks at Croke Park and it's a hugely exciting prospect."