Captain Scott Fardy is one of only two names to remain on the Leinster team sheet from last week ahead of Friday's first festive interpro derby.

 

Sean Cronin starts for the first time since his injury at the Rugby World Cup. Rob Kearney starts at full-back. Both Cronin and Kearney were not part of Andy Farrell's mid-season Ireland "stocktake" during the week.

Team News: @SeanCronin2 returns and Tommy O'Brien is set to make his senior debut in a side captained by @Scottfardy.

Your full 23-man #LeinsterRugby squad to take on Ulster at RDS Arena tomorrow. 👇#LEIvULS #JoinTheRoar pic.twitter.com/hfWTPH4JuR

— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) December 19, 2019

It will be a big night for Tommy O'Brien who gets his first senior start, he will wear the iconic 13 jersey.

Changes

Ulster have made 14 changes from last week's win over Harlequins in the Heineken champions Cup with centre Matt Faddes the only player retained.

Brothers Alan and David O'Connor have been paired in the second-row. Bill Johnston starts at out-half.

TEAM NEWS | Here is your Ulster team to take on @LeinsterRugby in Round 8 of the @Pro14Official at the RDS Arena on Friday 👇

Full details ➡️ https://t.co/vdWvkupIiJ #SUFTUM pic.twitter.com/Gg9NNleyHI

— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) December 19, 2019

Play gets underway at the RDS at 7.35 on Friday night.

Leinster		Ulster
15. Rob Kearney		15. Rob Lyttle
14. Fergus McFadden		14. Craig Gilroy
13. Tommy O’Brien		13. Matt Faddes
12. Robbie Henshaw		12. Angus Curtis
11. Cian Kelleher		11. Angus Kernohan
10. Harry Byrne		10. Bill Johnston
9. Jamison Gibson-Park		9. David Shanahan
1. Peter Dooley		1. Andrew Warwick
2. Seán Cronin		2. Adam McBurney
3. Andrew Porter		3. Tom O'Toole
4. Scott Fardy		4. David O'Connor
5. Josh Murphy		5. Alan O'Connor
6. Will Connors		6. Matthew Rea
7. Scott Penny		7. Nick Timoney
8. Max Deegan		8. Greg Jones

Everyone’s in the Team Of Us.

Vodafone. The Official Sponsor of the Irish Rugby Team.