Australian international prop, Angus Bell, makes his first start for the province after two appearances as a replacement in the opening rounds of the EPCR Challenge Cup.
Ireland international, Stuart McCloskey, returns from a recent groin injury to start at inside centre.
There is also a welcome return to the matchday squad for Ethan McIlroy, who is in line for a first appearance since suffering an ACL injury in January.
In the front row, Bell is joined by Ireland international forwards in hooker, Tom Stewart, and tighthead prop, Tom O’Toole.
Harry Sheridan and Charlie Irvine continue to start together in the forwards engine room as the second-row pairing.
Completing the forward pack, David McCann starts at blindside flanker, with Nick Timoney captaining the team at openside flanker. South African forward, Juarno Augustus, starts at number eight.
Scrum-half Nathan Doak and fly-half Jack Murphy return to resume their partnership in the half back positions.
Murphy selects two wingers in top try scoring form, with Werner Kok on the left channel and Robert Baloucoune on the right. Both wings have scored five tries each this season for the province.
McCloskey makes a welcome return to the side in the midfield, alongside Jude Postlethwaite at outside centre.
Ireland international, Jacob Stockdale, completes the XV at full-back.
Murphy opts for a 5:3 split among the replacements, which features a blend of experience and young talent.
John Andrew, Sam Crean, Scott Wilson, Joe Hopes and Academy back-row, Bryn Ward form the forward replacements, with Conor McKee, Jake Flannery and McIlroy the backline cover options.
Leinster Rugby v Ulster Rugby, Friday 19th December, BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 7, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm (Live on Premier Sports, TG4, URC.tv)
(Appearances in brackets)
1\. Angus Bell (2)
2\. Tom Stewart (62)
3\. Tom O’Toole (130)
4\. Harry Sheridan (48)
5\. Charlie Irvine (4)
6\. David McCann (75)
7\. Nick Timoney (172) (CAPT)
8\. Juarno Augustus (6)
9\. Nathan Doak (95)
10\. Jack Murphy (19)
11\. Werner Kok (20)
12\. Stuart McCloskey (207)
13\. Jude Postlethwaite (35)
14\. Rob Baloucoune (75)
15\. Jacob Stockdale (138)
Replacements:
16\. John Andrew (134)
17\. Sam Crean (8)
18\. Scott Wilson (41)
19\. Joe Hopes (4)
20\. Bryn Ward (4)
21\. Conor McKee (7)
22\. Jake Flannery (26)
23\. Ethan McIlroy (68)