The Munsterman, who started four of Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations matches in the centre, has recovered from a shoulder injury that forced him to sit out Ireland’s late 22-19 defeat in Christchurch last time out but he finds skipper Brian O’Driscoll currently occupying the No. 13 shirt.

Ulster’s Paddy Wallace meanwhile goes straight into the starting XV despite only arriving in New Zealand on Tuesday and will partner O’Driscoll at centre.

Wallace was a late replacement for Gordon D’Arcy, who was injured in the second Test, while Kidney has also promoted Earls’ club colleague Peter O’Mahony for Jamie Heaslip at No. 8.

The starting line-up is otherwise unchanged and will be buoyed by the fact last week’s last-gasp hero for New Zealand, Dan Carter, is missing with a hamstring injury.

Kidney said: "Keith's stated preference is he prefers to play at 13 but Brian [O'Driscoll] is not one to give it up too easily.

"He is a great team player and he is happy to be back in. He has rehabbed quite well, which is a credit to the medical team and himself for getting over his shoulder injury. He has trained well this week.

"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."