Published Wednesday, 01 February 2012
O'Driscoll has been ruled out of the entire championship as he recovers from surgery on his shoulder, making way for the Munster and Lions back.
Earls, who has racked up 11 tries in 26 Test appearances, returns to the Ireland camp after playing only a limited role in training for the last week, following the birth of his daughter just days ago.
"When something like this happens in your life, it's only right that you're given some space," coach Declan Kidney said.
"If it's your first, you're inclined to take a day or two to enjoy it - maybe if it's your fifth or sixth, you wouldn't be taking the day off!
"We must remember these guys are people first and players second. Life is like that sometimes - you just have to go with the flow."
Earls has been playing in the outside centre position at provincial level in recent weeks and Kidney has faith in the 24-year-old's abilities.
"He's looking forward to it and obviously has played very well there for Munster. All players can adapt," he said.
Ulster's Andrew Trimble comes in at left wing, with Jonathan Sexton and Conor Murray the selected half-backs and Ronan O'Gara named among the replacements.
It means only three changes - one positional - to the side that lost out 22-10 to Wales in last year's World Cup quarter-final in New Zealand.
The visitors won't name their side until Friday, as they wait on injury updates.
Kick-off in Sunday's game in Dublin will be at 3pm.
Ireland Team
R Kearney (Leinster); T Bowe (Ospreys), K Earls (Munster), G D'Arcy (Leinster), A Trimble (Ulster); J Sexton (Leinster), C Murray (Munster); C Healy (Leinster), R Best (Ulster), M Ross (Leinster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), P O'Connell (Munster, capt), S Ferris (Ulster), S O'Brien (Leinster), J Heaslip (Leinster).
Replacements: S Cronin (Leinster), T Court (Ulster), D Ryan (Munster), P O'Mahony (Munster), E Reddan (Leinster), R O'Gara (Munster), F McFadden (Leinster).