Keith Earls was given the task of filling the void created by Brian O'Driscoll's absence as Ireland named their side to face Wales in this weekend's Six Nations opener on Wednesday.
Munster star Earls will partner Gordon D'Arcy in the centre as Ireland aim to avenge their World Cup quarter-final defeat by Wales in their opening game of the tournament at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.
"Keith trained really well last week and it was on that basis that we made the decision," said Ireland coach Declan Kidney. "He's looking forward to it and obviously has played very well there for Munster.
"All players can adapt. He's played a lot in the position and is comfortable there. Keith has been playing very strongly in the European Cup."
Ireland are having to do without star centre and regular captain O'Driscoll for the tournament after the midfielder was ruled out of the entire Six Nations following shoulder surgery.
Earls is one of three changes from the Ireland side beaten by Wales in New Zealand, with Andrew Trimble coming onto the left wing while fly-half Jonathan Sexton partners Conor Murray at half-back.
The forwards are unchanged, with experienced lock Paul O'Connell wearing the captain's armband. Uncapped Peter O'Mahony is named on the bench.
Ireland (15 to 1):
Rob Kearney (Leinster); Tommy Bowe (Ospreys), Keith Earls (Munster), Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster), Andrew Trimble (Ulster); Jonathan Sexton (Leinster) Conor Murray (Munster); Jamie Heaslip (Leinster), Sean O'Brien (Leinster), Stephen Ferris (Ulster); Paul O'Connell (Munster, capt), Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster); Mike Ross (Leinster), Rory Best (Ulster), Cian Healy (Leinster)
Replacements: Tom Court (Ulster), Sean Cronin (Leinster), Peter O'Mahony (Munster), Donnacha Ryan (Munster), Eoin Reddan (Leinster), Ronan O'Gara (Munster), Fergus McFadden (Leinster)
Source: AFP Global Edition
