Leinster make three changes from the side that lost to Munster for tomorrow's New Year's Eve clash with Ulster at Lansdowne Road (2pm).
Rob Kearney starts at full back in place of the injured Girvan Dempsey. His inclusion adds pace to a back three that includes Shane Horgan and Denis Hickie.
Australian international Chris Whitaker partners Jonathan Sexton at half-back while in the pack, Will Green starts in the front row alongside Ronan McCormack and Bernard Jackman.
Brian O'Driscoll captains the side and partners Gordon D'Arcy at centre, while Guy Easterby - who made his 50th appearance in his last outing for the province - is named on a strong looking bench alongside the likes of Felipe Contepomi, Reggie Corrigan and Kieran Lewis.
"I like the idea of getting up every day and looking forward to big games," coach Michael Cheika said. "There are no complaints about the scheduling because we had 10 days off.
"The first obstacle is trying to overcome the disappointment of the defeat to Munster the other day. We let an opportunity slip by. After reviewing the match we now need to make sure that rectify our problems.
"Sunday will be an occasion. It's very important that we get a win and keep the pack tight behind Ulster in the league table.
"It's sure to be a passionate occasion," he added.
"We're so lucky to have the opportunity to be involved with this
game in front of a sell out crowd. They will bring a lot of
supporters but I'm sure our lot will drown them out. We've got to
play the game and take the points."
Leinster: 15: Rob Kearney, 14: Shane Horgan,
13: Brian O'Driscoll, 12: Gordon D'Arcy, 11: Denis Hickie, 10:
Jonathan Sexton, 9: Chris Whitaker; 1: Ronan McCormack, 2: Bernard
Jackman, 3: Will Green, 4: Trevor Hogan, 5: Malcolm O'Kelly, 6:
Stephen Keogh, 7: Keith Gleeson, 8: Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements:16: Reggie Corrigan, 17: Harry
Vermaas, 18: Owen Finegan, 19: Cameron Jowitt, 20: Guy
Easterby, 21: Felipe Contepomi, 22: Kieran Lewis.
Ulster:15 - Mark Bartholomeusz/Bryn Cunningham; 14 - Tommy Bowe; 13 - Paul Steinmetz; 12 - Kevin Maggs/Paddy Wallace; 11 - Andrew Trimble; 10 - David Humphreys/Paddy Wallace; 9 - Isaac Boss; 1 - Bryan Young; 2 - Rory Best; 3 - Simon Best (Captain); 4 - Justin Harrison; 5 - Matt McCullough; 6 - Neil Best; 7 - Kieron Dawson; 8 - Roger Wilson Replacements:16 - Paul Shields; 17 - Justin Fitzpatrick; 18 - Tim Barker; 19 - Neil McMillan; 20 - Kieran Campbell; numbers 21 and 22 selected from Bryn Cunningham, Mark Bartholomeusz, Kevin Maggs, Paddy Wallace, David Humphreys and Paul McKenzie
