The Aussie lock arrived in Ireland last Friday and took part in training this week with his new team-mates.
Speaking earlier in the week, Matt O'Connor said Kane was "fresh" and "really eager to get involved", and the new signing will get his chance tomorrow night in front of the supporters in the RDS. Devin Toner will make his third start of the season alongside Kane in the second row.
The team to face Cardiff also sees Gordon D'Arcy named in the starting XV. D'Arcy will play at outside centre in his first start of the season, partnering Ian Madigan in midfield.
Jamie Heaslip will captain Leinster and will be flanked in the back row by Rhys Ruddock and Dominic Ryan, the latter making his fourth successive start of the season.
Marty Moore will start his first game of the season against Cardiff, with Michael Bent and Sean Cronin completing the front eight.
The back three that started in the defeat against Connacht last week are retained for the Friday night match against Cardiff. Darragh Fanning and Fergus McFadden will take their places on the wings, and Rob Kearney will start at full-back.
The half-backs also remain the same, with Eoin Reddan and Jimmy Gopperth both set to start.
Leinster v Cardiff Blues, RDS, 26 September 2014 (KO 7.35pm)
15. Rob Kearney
14. Fergus McFadden
13. Gordon D'Arcy
12. Ian Madigan
11. Darragh Fanning
10. Jimmy Gopperth
9. Eoin Reddan
1. Michael Bent
2. Sean Cronin
3. Marty Moore
4. Devin Toner
5. Kane Douglas
6. Rhys Ruddock
7. Dominic Ryan
8. Jamie Heaslip CAPTAIN
Replacements
16. Bryan Byrne
17. Ed Byrne
18. Tadhg Furlong
19. Mike McCarthy
20. Jack Conan
21. Luke McGrath
22. Steve Crosbie
23. Mick McGrath
Guinness PRO12
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