Ulster v Leinster: Teams

In-form Ulster will be looking to register a rare win over Leinster when they do battle in front of a full house at Ravenhill on Monday.

Ulster have registered just one win in their last twelve clashes against their Magners League rivals and are winless in their two games against fellow Irish provinces this season.

But although they have won their last four outings in all competitions, they are forced to make changes for the festive fixture.

Irish international trio Tom Court, Andrew Trimble and Paddy Wallace are all unavailable while Ian Humphreys injured his ankle in training this week.

Paddy McAllister is promoted to the front row from the bench, while in the backs Craig Gilroy and Ian Whitten return to the starting line-up. Niall O'Connor is named at fly-half in Humphrey's absence.

Leinster have selected utility man Isa Nacewa, who has scored 90 points so far this season, at full-back for the derby.

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll partners Fergus McFadden at centre, with veteran Shane Horgan continuing on the wing.

Up front, skipper Leo Cullen starts in the second row alongside Devin Toner, with Sean O'Brien forming a back-row partnership with Dominic Ryan and Rhys Ruddock, the son of former Wales boss Mike.

Fly-half Shaun Berne links up with former Ulster scrum-half Isaac Boss form an experienced nine-10 axis behind the pack.

Clontarf's AIL International club hooker Aaron Dundon - who has featured for Leinster's British & Irish Cup team of late - is named on the bench for the first time alongside the likes of Ian Madigan, Jack McGrath and Andrew Conway.

Ulster: 15 Adam D'Arcy, 14 Craig Gilroy, 13 Nevin Spence, 12 Ian Whitten, 11 Simon Danielli, 10 Niall O'Connor, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Robbie Diack, 7 Chris Henry, 6 Pedrie Wannenburg, 5 Dan Tuohy, 4 Johann Muller (captain), 3 BJ Botha, 2 Nigel Brady, 1 Paddy McAllister.
Replacements: 16 Andi Kyriacou, 17 Declan Fitzpatrick, 18 Bryan Young, 19 Tim Barker, 20 Willie Faloon, 21 Paul Marshall, 22 Luke Marshall, 23Tommy Seymour.

Leinster: 15 Isa Nacewa, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Fergus McFadden, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Shaun Berne, 9 Isaac Boss, 8 Sean O'Brien, 7 Dominic Ryan, 6 Rhys Ruddock, 5 Devin Toner, 4 Leo Cullen (c), 3 Mike Ross, 2 Jason Harris-Wright, 1 Heinke van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Aaron Dundon, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Clint Newland, 19 Ed O'Donoghue, 20 Ben Marshall, 21 Paul O'Donohoe, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Andrew Conway.