Ireland have been boosted by the return of Keith Earls for the third rugby Test against a New Zealand team weakened by the loss of Dan Carter.

Earls, who missed the 22-19 second Test defeat in Christchurch because of a chest injury, moves from centre to left wing – a position in which he has prospered for the Irish.

Coach Declan Kidney has also drafted in Peter O’Mahony and Paddy Wallace to take the respective places of Jamie Heaslip at No.8 and Gordon D’Arcy at second five-eighth, who are both injured.

The starting line-up is otherwise unchanged from the side that came within 35 seconds of securing a draw with the world champions last week.

“Keith’s stated preference is he prefers to play at 13 but Brian (O’Driscoll) is not one to give it up too easily,” Kidney said.

“He is a great team player and he is happy to be back in.”

Kidney admitted that it was “not ideal” that Wallace only arrived on Tuesday evening but he feels the coaching staff have allayed any jet-lag concerns.

“Paddy has always been a great player for Ireland. We talk about the squad ethic and what Paddy has given in the background, and in his 10 years’ service to the Irish team, has been fantastic.”

All Blacks first five Carter, who kicked the winning drop goal in the second Test, has been ruled out with a sore hamstring that he strained in training and has been replaced by Aaron Cruden.

Ireland: Rob Kearney, Fergus McFadden, Brian O’Driscoll (capt), Paddy Wallace, Keith Earls, Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray, Peter O’Mahony, Sean O’Brien, Kevin McLaughlin, Donnacha Ryan, Dan Tuohy, Mike Ross, Rory Best, Cian Healy. Res: Sean Cronin, Declan Fitzpatrick, Donncha O’Callaghan, Chris Henry, Eoin Reddan, Ronan O’Gara, Andrew Trimble.