Brian O’Driscoll returns to the Leinster line-up for the first time this season and captains the side. O’Driscoll starts at outside centre and is partnered by Gordon D’Arcy in a backline which also sees Girvan Dempsey return from World Cup duty and scrum-half Chris Whitaker from injury.

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 back-row which includes 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. Keith Gleeson is named amongst a strong replacements bench which also includes the likes of Stan Wright and Luke Fitzgerald. Speaking ahead of Friday night’s Magners League clash in Ravenhill, Leinster and Ireland second-row Malcolm O’Kelly admits that he is looking forward to facing some familiar foes in the first Interprovincial derby of the season. “All the international players are keen to get back involved with a winning set-up after a disappointing last couple of weeks. “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 new words - which is no bad thing - so I’m sure he’ll be a good addition to the squad. “Obviously the likes of Leo (Cullen) and Jenno (Shane Jennings) would have been familiar with the set-up from their previous spell and they can also contribute in terms of the experience they gained with Leicester. So, all in all, it makes for a competitive squad. “The challenge for us as players is to tighten up our play over the next few weeks.  “We’ve done quite well on the road so far – winning in Cardiff and losing a game we probably should have won in Glasgow – so 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’re also added some good players to their squad, like Rob Dewey and Carlo Del Fava while they have others coming back from injury. “Ulster’s backs are to the wall so that makes them dangerous opponents, but we have a good record up in Belfast. We’ve won most of our games over the last few years – bar the 6-6 draw last season – so we can take some confidence into the game.  “The crowd will be up for it and it all makes for an exciting game.

“It’s an important period for Leinster with some tough games at home and away over the next few weeks. We have to break each game down on an individual basis and not look to far ahead of ourselves.

“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.”

LEINSTER:

15: Girvan Dempsey

14: Shane Horgan

13: Brian O’Driscoll CAPTAIN

12: Gordon D’Arcy

11: Rob Kearney

10: Jonathan Sexton

9: Chris Whitaker

1: Ollie Le-Roux

2: Bernard Jackman

3: Stephen Knoop

4: Leo Cullen

5: Malcolm O’Kelly

6: Stephen Keogh

7: Shane Jennings

8: Jamie Heaslip

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Brian Blaney

17: Stan Wright

18: Devin Toner

19: Keith Gleeson

20: Cillian Willis

21: Christian Warner

22: Luke Fitzgerald

REFEREE: George Clancy (IRFU), SUB REFEREE: L Colgan (IRFU), TOUCH JUDGE: T Horkan (IRFU), TMO: Peter Fitzgibbon (IRFU)