Jonathan Sexton, Brian O'Driscoll and Rob Kearney have all been named in the starting XV to take on New Zealand this Sunday.

Ireland Head Coach named the Leinster trio, who had been carrying various injuries. But all three have recovered from hamstring, calf and rib injuries respectively.

Dave Kearney has been named on the wing to replace the injured Fergus McFadden, while Conor Murray returns at scrum half and Gordon D'Arcy starts at inside-centre.

Paddy Jackson has missed out on a place on the bench, with Leinster No 10 Ian Madigan named among the replacements, with Schmidt emphasizing Madigan's versatility.

Newstalk's Oisin Langan reports:

Ireland XV to face New Zealand: Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy, Dave Kearney, Jonny Sexton, Conor Murray, Jamie Heaslip, Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahony, Paul O'Connell, Devin Toner, Mike Ross, Rory Best, Cian Healy.

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, Declan Fitzpatrick, Mike McCarthy, Kevin McLaughlin, Isaac Boss, Ian Madigan, Luke Fitzgerald.

Earlier, New Zealand named their team for Sunday's game.

Out-half Aaron Cruden replaces the injured Dan Carter while prop Wyatt Crockett takes over from Tony Woodcock.

Winger Cory Jane also returns to the side, while Luke Romano, Steven Luatua and veteran hooker Andrew Hore all come into the forward pack.

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan