Chris Paterson returns at full-back after recovering from an ankle injury, while Scotland team-mate Simon Webster is back on the wing after missing the opening month of the season with a hip problem.

Only three of the backs survive from Friday’s 13-9 defeat at Ulster, Edinburgh’s fourth loss in their opening five Magners League games.

Phil Godman reclaims the number 10 jersey, while Mark Robertson lines up on the opposite wing to Webster, who cannot wait to get out on the pitch against this weekend.

He said: “It is just such a relief to be given the all-clear to play rugby again.

“This first month of the season has been really frustrating because I felt I had regained my sharpness after our pre-season win at Bath.

“So to experience another delayed start to the season has been a blow, but now I’m looking to make up for lost time; starting with the match against Leinster.”

Despite being on the receiving end of a heavy Magners League defeat at the RDS last month, Edinburgh have an enviable home record against the Dubliners in the Heineken Cup.

They defeated the Irish province in the competition at home in 2000, 2006 and 2007 – when Webster contributed a try in a thrilling win.

Now he is hoping Edinburgh can replicate that feat this weekend.

He said: “Make no mistake, we realise how tough the match will be; Leinster are Magners League champions after all.

“But we do have a good record against them in the Heineken Cup and everyone will be doing everything they can to ensure that winning streak continues.”

In the forwards, Ross Ford returns at hooker and Geoff Cross is back at tighthead prop.

Matt Mustchin switches from blindside flanker to lock, with Alan MacDonald coming into the back row.