Isa Nacewa, also back from a spell on the sideline, will partner stand-in skipper Chris Whitaker at half-back.
In the pack, John Fogarty comes into the front row alongside Cian Healy and Stan Wright, with Carlow youngster Sean O'Brien a starter in a back row that includes international duo Rocky Elsom and Jamie Heaslip.
Trevor Hogan, meanwhile, has been rewarded with a place in the second row after a series of impressive displays for the Leinster 'A' team.
Leinster coach Michael Cheika will finalise his replacements bench an hour before kick-off.
LEINSTER (v Ulster): Girvan Dempsey; Gordon D'Arcy, Luke Fitzgerald, Felipe Contepomi, Rob Kearney; Isa Nacewa, Chris Whitaker (capt); Cian Healy, John Fogarty, Stan Wright, Trevor Hogan, Devin Toner, Rocky Elsom, Sean O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements (from): Brian Blaney, Ronan McCormack, Malcolm O'Kelly, Stephen Keogh, Cameron Jowitt, Chris Keane, Jonathan Sexton, Simon Keogh.
