Team News: Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll will line out in a Leinster jersey for the first time this season as he  leads his team in the first interprovincial derby when they take on Ulster in the Magners Celtic League at Ravenhill tomorrow night.

O'Driscoll starts at outside centre and is partnered by Gordon D'Arcy in a backline which also sees Girvan Dempsey at fullback, Chris Whitaker returning from injury at scrumhalf and Jonathan Sexton at outhalf. Shane Horgan and Rob Kearney start on the wings.

In the pack, fit again Leo Cullen partners Malcolm O'Kelly in the second row while Jamie Heaslip also returns from injury to start at number eight in a backrow including Stephen Keogh and Shane Jennings.

Ollie Le-Roux will make his debut for the province after arriving from South Africa last week and is named in a front row which includes Bernard Jackman and Stephen Knoop.

O'Kelly admits he is looking forward to facing some familiar foes in Belfast. "All the international players are keen to get back involved with a winning set-up after a disappointing last couple of weeks," he said.

"There are some new faces, who all look to have settled in well, and Ollie Le-Roux brings with him a wealth of experience. He's a good guy, and he's not short of a few words - which is no bad thing - so I'm sure he'll be a good addition to the squad.

"The challenge for us as players is to tighten up our play over the next few weeks," added O'Kelly after two defeats on the bounce to the Scarlets and Glasgow.   "It's important that we up our game against a good Ulster side who will be strong opponents in their own backyard.

"They're a strong and a proud team and we're expecting a tough game, irrespective of league positions. Justin Harrison has been around the block and is always a challenge on the opposition ball.

"They've also added some good players to their squad, like Rob Dewey and Carlo Del Fava while they have others coming back from injury.

O'Kelly also alluded to a sense of relief at the chance to put the disappointment of the World Cup behind them and moving on to new challenges.

"For those of us who were disappointed with how the World Cup went, it's fantastic to come into a fresh squad without any baggage. I think we're all relishing the opportunity to play for Leinster again ahead of a big period for the province, starting on Friday night."
 
Meanwhile, Ulster coach Mark McCall bolstered his side with the inclusion of no less than nine internationals plus new Scottish signing Dewey are all set to start against provincial rivals Leinster.

Dewey signed from Edinburgh last season but the 24-year-old centre has had to wait to earn his first Ulster cap in tomorrow's eagerly awaited encounter when he partners Andrew Trimble in the centre.

"Rob had a very successful World Cup with Scotland and has continued to impress us all at training since he joined the squad a few weeks ago," said McCall. "He has fitted in very well and everyone is really looking forward to his debut tomorrow night."

"They are both international players and individually they are both very strong and physical centres, so it will great to see them play alongside each other and see what they can do," added the coach of the new Irish, Scottish combination.

As expected Paddy Wallace and Isaac Boss form the half-back partnership, while veteran David Humphreys and Paul Marshall have been named as cover on the bench. Tommy Bowe and Mark McCrea are named on the wings with Bryn Cunningham favoured at full back.

In the front row captain Rory Best starts at hooker with Justin Fitzpatrick named at loose head prop and Bryan Young tight head.

The second row has a new combination with Irish A player Ryan Caldwell partnering Italian lock Carlo Del Fava for the first time. "This is one combination we haven't really had a chance to look at until now," noted McCall.

"Everyone has been very impressed with Carlo so far and Ryan started his season off really well but has been unavailable for two games due to suspension, so it will be exciting to watch how that combination works tomorrow night"

In the back row Kieron Dawson wins the selection battle over Neil McMillan and David Pollock and will line up alongside Neil Best who makes his first Ulster start since the end of last season.

Stephen Ferris wears the number eight jersey with Roger Wilson named as cover on the bench. Matt McCullough was not available for selection due to a minor foot injury picked up at training last week.

Leinster: Girvan Dempsey, Shane Horgan, Brian O'Driscoll (C), Gordon D'Arcy; Rob Kearney, Jonathan Sexton, Chris Whitaker; Ollie Le-Roux, Bernard Jackman, Stephen Knoop; Leo Cullen, Malcolm O'Kelly, Stephen Keogh, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip

Replacements: Brian Blaney, Stan Wright, Devin Toner, Keith Gleeson; Cillian Willis, Christian Warner, Luke Fitzgerald

Ulster:  Bryn Cunningham; Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble, Rob Dewey, Mark McCrea;  Paddy Wallace; Isaac Boss, Justin Fitzpatrick, Rory Best (C), Bryan Young; Carlo Del Fava, Ryan Caldwell, Neil Best; Kieron Dawson, 8 - Stephen Ferris

Replacements: Nigel Brady; Declan Fitzpatrick, Justin Harrison, Roger Wilson, Paul Marshall;  David Humphreys, Mark Bartholomeusz