Isaac Boss links up with Ian Madigan at half back with David Kearney forming a lively back three alongside Luke Fitzgerald - who is set to make his 99th provincial appearance - and full-back Isa Nacewa.
Up front, Leo Cullen will captain the side for the first time since January after recovering from Achilles surgery and he will lock down with All Black World Cup winner Brad Thorn who makes his debut after signing a short-term deal with the province recently.
Rhys Ruddock joins fellow Leinster Academy graduate Dominic Ryan as well as number eight Leo Auva'a in the back-row.
Sean Cronin is one of eight Irish qualified players named on the bench including the likes of Kevin McLaughlin and Eoin O'Malley.
Ticket sales for Friday's game have passed the 17,300 mark and are still on sale from www.leinsterrugby.ie, the Leinster Rugby Store (Donnybrook), Spar (Donnybrook) as well as Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. Supporters are advised to use public transport as there are a number of other functions taking place around the RDS.
Meanwhile, there are just 24 hours left for Season Ticket Holders who wish to renew to keep their seats for 2012/13 season. Already over 6,300 supporters have renewed for next season and to renew just log into your account on www.leinsterrugby.ie and choose the payment option.
LEINSTER:
15: Isa Nacewa
14: David Kearney
13: Brian O'Driscoll
12: Fergus McFadden
11: Luke Fitzgerald
10: Ian Madigan
9: Isaac Boss
1: Heinke van der Merwe
2: Richardt Strauss
3: Nathan White
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Brad Thorn
6: Rhys Ruddock
7: Dominic Ryan
8: Leo Auva'a
REPLACEMENTS:
16: Sean Cronin
17: Jack McGrath
18: Jamie Hagan
19: Damian Browne
20: Kevin McLaughlin
21: John Cooney
22: Eoin O'Malley
23: Fionn Carr
REFEREE: Peter Fitzgibbon (IRFU), ASSISTANT REFEREES: Simon McDowell, Olly Hodges (both IRFU), 4th OFFICIAL: Gary Glennon (Leinster Rugby Referees), 5th OFFICIAL: Dan Wallace (Leinster Rugby Referees), TMO: Alan Rogan (IRFU)
63x46.png){kind=logo}