In the pack, Ronan McCormack lines up alongside Bernard Jackman and Mike Ross in the front row, with Devin Toner partnering Nathan Hines. The back-row remains unchanged.
CJ van der Linde is named amongst a strong replacements panel which includes the likes of Malcolm O'Kelly, Jonathan Sexton and Luke Fitzgerald.
Leinster
15: Rob Kearney
14: Girvan Dempsey
13: Brian O'Driscoll CAPTAIN
12: Gordon D'Arcy
11: Isa Nacewa
10: Shaun Berne
9: Chris Keane
1: Ronan McCormack
2: Bernard Jackman
3: Mike Ross
4: Devin Toner
5: Nathan Hines
6: Kevin McLaughlin
7: Sean O'Brien
8: Jamie Heaslip
Replacements
16: John Fogarty
17: CJ van der Linde
18: Malcolm O'Kelly
19: Stephen Keogh
20: Simon Keogh
21: Jonathan Sexton
22: Luke Fitzgerald
Speaking ahead of Saturday's Magners League encounter in Ravenhill, Leinster back-row Sean O'Brien says that the squad are keen to improve on their performances against an in-form Ulster.
"We're winning games, which is the most important thing at the moment, but as a group we know that there's room for improvement in our play. We're not firing on all cylinders but we're fighting hard to grind out wins and we will need to be sharp against what is a really strong Ulster side just now.
"Ulster have a powerful forward unit. I have played against Willie Falloon before and he is a good up-and-coming player while Chris Henry and Robbie Diack are all playing well in the back-row. (Stephen) Ferris is an enforcer for them and with Ian Humphreys playing so well at the moment we'll have to be really sharp to counter their threats.
"It's important that we compete with Ulster from the off and because it's an Interprovincial game, that will add a bit more spice to proceedings. Ravenhill is a great ground to play in. The home crowd really gets behind their team and it's not an easy place to go to. But we'll approach the game positively.
"Irrespective of the local nature of these Magners League games, we have to approach the games with the mentality that we have to win and treat it like any other game. There's great competition for places so there's no chance of players taking whatever opportunities that might come their way for granted. Look at someone like Kev (McLaughlin) who came on and scored two tries last weekend.
"With Hinesy (Nathan Hines) doing so well for us recently and players like Jenno (Shane Jennings), Keogher (Stephen Keogh) and Jamie (Heaslip) in the back-row, you have to be at your best. The Academy players are also putting pressure on all of us in training. It's fiercely competitive, but it's brilliant to be a part of that environment."
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