Published Thursday, 21 June 2012
Paddy Wallace in action. (© Pacemaker)
The Irish were narrowly beaten 22-19 last weekend, but Kidney has responded by naming his strongest possible team - and the hosts will be weakened by the loss of Dan Carter.
"Paddy has always been a great player for Ireland," explained Kidney, who has drafted Wallace in place of the injured Gordon D'Arcy at inside centre for Saturday.
"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."
The return of Keith Earls, who has moved from centre to left wing - a position in which he has prospered for Ireland - will also give the players a boost.
Kidney added: "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."
Also drafted in is Earls' provincial colleague Peter O'Mahony for Jamie Heaslip.
The starting line-up is otherwise unchanged from the side that came within 35 seconds of securing a draw with the world champions last week.
Meanwhile Carter, who kicked the winning drop goal for the All Blacks in the second Test, has been ruled out with a sore hamstring that he strained in training.
He has been replaced by Aaron Cruden.
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said: "On assessment, he has suffered a mild hamstring strain to his right leg which has unfortunately ruled him out of this weekend's Test."
Ireland team: R Kearney; F McFadden, B O'Driscoll (captain), P Wallace, K Earls; J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Best, M Ross, D Tuohy, D Ryan, K McLaughlin, S O'Brien, P O'Mahony.