By kick-off, Ulster will have a clearer idea of where they stand with play-off rivals Ospreys heading to Zebre on Thursday - before either match began the Irish province were five points ahead.

Either way however, maximum points would ensure Ulster a place in the play-offs for a second successive year.

And the Ulstermen's only defeat at Ravenhill in the RaboDirect PRO12 this season came in their opening home game to Glasgow, 12-13.

Ulster's only two victories over Leinster in their last 11 encounters in all tournaments came in both regular season PRO12 fixtures in 2012-13 but they ended up on the losing side in last year's Grand Final.

And Henry knows all about Leinster's end-of-season form.

"It's do or die time; we know we need points, desperately," said Henry.

"Leinster are a side that know how to finish the end to a season very well and that's something we are going to have to counter.

"We have to let Leinster know early on that this is our home patch and that they're in for a game. There are obviously other motivational factors, such as the new stand and players leaving at the end of the season; we will use every bit we can (to draw out a performance).

"Every provincial game is hugely confrontational. Then there is also the one-on-one battles that are coming this weekend."

Jared Payne returns from suspension to take his place at outside centre in one of three changes made by head coach Mark Anscombe to the side that lost to Glasgow Warriors.

Elsewhere, other changes to the line-up from the loss to Glasgow Warriors two weeks ago include Andrew Warwick coming in at tighthead and Roger Wilson, returning from injury, in the back row.

Leinster, meanwhile, require a bonus point victory to guarantee a home play-off spot for a fifth successive year and their only defeat in their last ten RaboDirect PRO12 fixtures was at Ospreys in round 19.

For Leinster, there are four changes to the starting line-up and also a return to the bench for Luke Fitzgerald.

In the back row Shane Jennings comes in for Jordi Murphy, Gordon D'Arcy returns to inside centre and Dave Kearney replaces Darragh Fanning on the left wing.

And hooker Sean Cronin admits Leinster are determined to make up for their European disappointments by securing a home RaboDirect PRO12 semi-final.

"For the club it is huge - after going out [of Europe] early we need something for the fans, who have been superb all season. I think we owe them that, to get to a home semi," he said.

At Ravenhill, 7.30pm. Live on RTE/ BBC NI
Referee: Luke Pearce (RFU, 1st competition game)
Assistant Referees: John Lacey, David Connolly (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Eugene Ryan (IRFU)
TMO: Dermot Molony (IRFU)