He makes four changes to the side with Thom Evans replacing brother Max on the wing, Colin Gregor filling the No 10 shirt, Dougie Hall returning at hooker and Dan Turner playing at lock.

The side will be captained by former All Black centre Daryl Gibson in the absence of injured skipper Ally Kellock.

Leinster have their eyes on the Celtic League title and will field their strongest side – with all their Ireland stars back in action – for the clash at Donnybrook.

But Lineen said: “Some of my guys have been involved in almost nine months of high-intensity rugby.

“There was the build-up to the World Cup, the tournament itself, the Heineken Cup and then the RBS 6 Nations.

“In between there has also been league business and the bottom line is they are knackered both physically and mentally.

“We are going to Dublin to win and I believe we have players capable of achieving that aim.”