The Athlone man hopes to get into the starting 15 next Friday, Izuchukwu likely to sit on the bench.
Ireland welcome the All Blacks to the Aviva Stadium next Friday evening at ten past eight to kick-start the Autumn Nations Series.
The countries have had great battles in recent years, including the Kiwis world cup quarter-final win in the most recent meeting between the two last year.
Head Coach Andy Farrell has not named the starting line-up yet, but Athlone's Robbie Henshaw is among fellow centres Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey and Jamie Osborne hoping for a place in the starting 15.
Offaly's Cormac Izuchukwu is involved in the national team squad for the first time, but will most likely sit on the bench next week.