In the backline, Gordon D'Arcy will partner Fergus McFadden at centre, with Isa Nacewa joining Shane Horgan and full-back Girvan Dempsey in a strong-looking back three. Scrum-half Paul O'Donohoe makes his first competitive start for the province and the former Ireland Under-20 Grand Slam winner partners Felipe Contepomi at half-back.
LEINSTER:
15: Girvan Dempsey
14: Shane Horgan
13: Fergus McFadden
12: Gordon D'Arcy
11: Isa Nacewa
10: Felipe Contepomi
9: Paul O'Donohoe
1: Cian Healy
2: Brian Blaney
3: Stan Wright
4: Trevor Hogan
5: Malcolm O'Kelly
6: Cameron Jowitt
7: Shane Jennings CAPTAIN
8: Rocky Elsom
REPLACEMENTS:
16: Bernard Jackman
17: Ronan McCormack
18: Devin Toner
19: Stephen Keogh
20: Simon Keogh
21: Jonathan Sexton
22: Gary Brown
REFEREE: Andy Macpherson (SRU), ASSISTANT REFEREES: Matthew Alpin (WRU), Ken Bowen (WRU), TMO: Tony Rowlands (WRU)
Speaking ahead of Saturday evening's game, FELIPE CONTEPOMI says that the team are focused on facing one of the form teams in the Magners League.
"I think that everyone in the squad is looking forward to Saturday's game and although it's good to have a few weeks off at this time of year, we prefer to play week in, week out. It can be difficult playing at this time of year, but the calendar is what it is in the northern hemisphere. You can lose a bit of momentum, but you just get on with it.
"We have been training very hard over the last few weeks. Even though we will be without some of our Ireland players, there is enough strength in depth in the squad to cope and I'm sure that a number of the younger players will see Saturday as a chance to stake a claim over a big three month period for the team.
"We know from our experiences last year how important it is to take points during the Six Nations. We have a difficult run in to the season with six away games out of our last nine games in the Magners League and Heineken Cup, but it was our away form last year that gave us the platform to win the title. We took great heart from our win last year in Stradey Park and it is vital that we approach this game in the same manner.
"Llanelli are a fantastic team. They are in third position in the league and will only be missing a few players who will be involved with Wales. They have attacking threats in every position and we have great respect for them. Are these games you enjoy? I'm not too sure 'enjoy' is the right word because these games are never easy. The Scarlets are the kind of team who can score tries against you at any time. They play a fast, attacking game and I remember a game when they scored over 50 points against us.
"I'm sure that it will be a good game to watch in an incredible new stadium. Hopefully the weather allows us to play a good, attacking game."
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