O'Leary adds weight to Irish argument

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."