Rugby – Heineken Cup team news:Jamie Heaslip will make his 100th appearance for Leinster after being named in a strong line-up for tomorrow's Heineken Cup clash away to the Scarlets, while Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin has rung the changes ahead of Stade Francais' visit to Belfast.
Heaslip is named in a strong Leinster starting XV that boasts no less than nine Irish internationals and the number eight joins forces with Kevin McLaughlin and Sean O’Brien in the backrow.
Skipper Leo Cullen starts alongside Scotland international Nathan Hines in the secondrow.
After a storming international performance from the bench against South Africa, Gordon D’Arcy focuses on provincial duty and will partner Brian O’Driscoll at centre. Rob Kearney starts at fullback in a potent back three alongside Shane Horgan and Isa Nacewa with Eoin Reddan partnering Shaun Berne at half-back.
Stan Wright returns from injury for the first time in two months and takes his place on the bench alongside internationals Bernard Jackman, Mike Ross, Malcolm O’Kelly and Girvan Dempsey.
In Ulster McLaughlin made changes after losing to Glasgow in the Magners League last weekend.
Nigel Brady replaces Andy Kyriacou at hooker with Declan Fitzpatrick named at tight head. With BJ Botha still sidelined with injury Ed O’Donoghue replaces Ryan Caldwell in the secondrow.
Ulster are boosted with the return of Stephen Ferris while David Pollock moved to open side flanker. Number eight Chris Henry will captain the side.
There is only one change in the back line where Andrew Trimble replaces the injured Timoci Nagusa on the right wing.
“We know how good they are, we know they are a great side with great ambitions for the season but we have the same ambitions,” said McLaughlin.
“We have them here in Belfast on Saturday, and we have just got to get out onto the pitch and play. We have to out-play them by being accurate and smart, and taking the home advantage. We have to be fearless.”
Ulster’s kick-off at Ravenhill is 1.35pm while Leinster’s get under way at Parc Y Scarlets at 6pm tomorrow.
Leinster: Rob Kearney, Shane Horgan, Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy, Isa Nacewa, Shaun Berne, Eoin Reddan, Cian Healy, John Fogarty, CJ van der Linde, Leo Cullen (Captain), Nathan Hines, Kevin McLaughlin, Sean O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip
Replacements: Bernard Jackman, Mike Ross, Stan Wright, Malcolm O'Kelly, Stephen Keogh, Paul O'Donohoe, Fergus McFadden, Girvan Dempsey
Ulster: Clinton Schifcofske, Andrew Trimble, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Simon Danelli, Ian Humphreys, Isaac Boss, Tom Court, Nigel Brady, Declan Fitzpatrick, Ed O'Donoghue, Dan Tuohy, Stephen Ferris, David Pollock, Chris Henry (Captain)
Replacements: Andy Kyriacou, Bryan Young, Justin Fitzpatrick, Ryan Caldwell, Willie Faloon, Paul Marshall, Niall O'Connor, Jamie Smith
