There are three changes to the side that played Munster on Wednesday. Rob Kearney starts at fullback in place of the injured Girvan Dempsey alongside Shane Horgan and Denis Hickie.

Australian international Chris Whitaker partners Jonathan Sexton at half-back.

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 bench alongside the likes of Felipe Contepomi, Reggie Corrigan and Kieran Lewis.

The game looks set to attract a sell out 48,000 capacity crowd . . . smashing the previous Magners League attendance record set in the October game against Munster.