Back in from their pre-Christmas training camp with the Irish squad come Dave Kearney, Mike McCarthy and Sean O'Brien, while Jimmy Gopperth replaces Ian Madigan at fly-half.
Brendan Macken is promoted from the bench to take his place in the centre beside Noel Reid who retains his place at 12, while Rhys Ruddock replaces Kevin McLaughlin.
Zane Kirchner continues at full back, with Luke Fitzgerald and Isaac Boss also retained at 11 and 9 respectively.
There are no changes in the front row with Michael Bent, Aaron Dundon and Martin Moore once again selected. Leo Cullen captains the side from the second row with Mike McCarthy partnering him.
Finally, Jordi Murphy is again named at 8 with Rhys Ruddock and Sean O'Brien completing the back row. O'Brien makes a welcome return from injury and comes in for only his second RaboDirect PRO12 appearance of the season.
LEINSTER:
15: Zane Kirchner
14: Dave Kearney
13: Brendan Macken
12: Noel Reid
11: Luke Fitzgerald
10: Jimmy Gopperth
9: Isaac Boss
1: Michael Bent
2: Aaron Dundon
3: Martin Moore
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Mike McCarthy
6: Rhys Ruddock
7: Sean O'Brien
8: Jordi Murphy
REPLACEMENTS:
16: James Tracy
17: Mike Ross
18: Jack O'Connell
19: Tom Denton
20: Dominic Ryan
21: Luke McGrath
22: Ian Madigan
23: Darragh Fanning
REFEREE: John Lacey (IRFU), ASSISTANT REFEREES: Peter Fitzgibbon, Eddie Hagan-O'Connell (both IRFU) CITING COMMISSIONER: Eugene Ryan (IRFU) TMO: Sean Flannery (IRFU)
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