Shane Horgan and Chris Whitaker will both start for Leinster when Michael Cheika's side bid to extend their lead at the top of the Celtic League against Cardiff tomorrow night.

Horgan will start on the right wing at the RDS while Whitaker, who has been missing since the middle of November, is back to partner Felipe Contepomi in the half-backs.

Cheika will be missing Shane Jennings after the flanker picked up an injury in training meaning Cameron Jowitt joins Keith Gleeson and Stephen Keogh in the back row.

In the absence of Brian O'Driscoll, one of a number of players still on international duty, Leo Cullen captains the side.

Leinster: L Fitzgerald; S Horgan, C Warner, M Berne, G Brown; F Contepomi, C Whitaker; C Healy, O le Roux, S Wright;  T Hogan, L Cullen (c); C  Jowitt, K Gleeson, S Keogh. Replacements: B Blaney, S Knoop, D Toner, K McLaughlin, C Keane, E O'Malley, F Jones