With Brian O'Driscoll rested, D'Arcy will be partnered in midfield by Fergus McFadden.

In the Leinster pack, Sean O'Brien is introduced to form a back row partnership with Cameron Jowitt and Stephen Keogh, two more new inclusions.

Ireland duo Trevor Hogan and captain Leo Cullen will link up in the second row for Leinster's second away trip in five days.

UCD and Ireland Under-20 back Ian McKinley, untried at this level, is a notable inclusion on the province's replacements bench.

O'Brien said: "There's a lot of confidence in the squad right now. The Harlequins win has given us a lift and we know that the real hard work starts now.

"There are a few places up for grabs so the message for those of us who weren't involved last week is that we will have to work hard to get into the team.

"I have enjoyed getting a run of games and being involved in big games, like the Wasps victory at home, gave me a taste of the level that's required. It's up to us this weekend to make a mark and take our chances.”