The former second row has made a number of changes to the side that defeated Edinburgh last time out

Irish centre Robbie Henshaw has been called upon by Cullen to make his first start of the season after recovering from a pectoral injury he suffered while on tour with British and Irish Lions over the summer.

Joey Carberry keeps his place at full-back with Adam Byrne coming into the side on the right wing and Barry Daly on the left.

The returning Henshaw will be partnered by Rory O’Loughlin with Captain Jonathan Sexton and Luke McGrath staying as the half backs, with Sexton just five points shy of becoming Leinster’s all time leading scorer.

Scott Fardy and Devin Toner continue their second row partnership whilst Lions Jack McGrath and Tadhg Furlong start at loosehead and tighthead respectively. James Tracy replaces  Limerick man Sean Cronin at hooker.

Rhys Ruddock stays at blindside flanker with Josh Van Der Flier returning in the number 7 shirt. Jack Conan also returns to the team at No. 8.

Leinster: Joey Carbery, Adam Byrne, Rory O’Loughlin, Robbie Henshaw, Barry Daly, Johnny Sexton (Capt),  Luke McGrath;  Jack McGrath,  James Tracy, Tadhg Furlong, Devin Toner,  Scott Fardy, Rhys Ruddock, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan.

Replacements: Seán Cronin, Cian Healy, Michael Bent, Ross Molony, Jordi Murphy, Jamison Gibson-Park, Ross Byrne, Fergus McFadden