Ulster's Ireland contingent who featured so prominently in the autumn Test wins will return to action for the province against Leinster in the Magners League at Ravenhill on Saturday.
Paddy Wallace reverts back to inside centre after his man-of-the-match performance at outhalf in the win over the Pacific Islands.
Scrumhalf Isaac Boss returns as well, having proved his credentials as a viable understudy to Peter Stringer on the international scene.
Prop Bryan Young and the Best trio of Neil, Rory, and Simon also return. Simon will captain the side for the first time since breaking his leg against Llanelli in the penultimate game of the 2005/06 season.
Stephen Ferris, however, will start on the bench, with Kieron Dawson starting at open side.
Coach Mark McCall has also chosen this match to introduce young winger Paul McKenzie to the starting line-up. In the absence of the injured Andrew Trimble and Tommy Bowe, McKenzie is drafted in for a long awaited start after an encouraging cameo against Borders and big performances for Ulster A.
"I am obviously delighted. It is a great opportunity for me coming into the side," said the former Bangor Grammar student.
"I'll have a few nerves as it is a big game because of the profile of the opposition. Training has gone really well this week and as a team we all feel well prepared and are really up for it."
Australian Mark Barthomeleusz will play on the other wing as Ulster begin an important month. McCall's side have back-to-back Heineken cup matches with London Irish and a Boxing Day clash with Connacht following the visit of Leinster to Ravenhill.
Michael Cheika has delayed finalising his team because of a number of injuries to, but one-time Ulster prop Ronan McCormack will start against his former teammates.
Cheika is undecided at number six where he can choose from Stephen Keogh, Cameron Jowitt or Owen Finegan.
Similarly, in the absence of Felipe Contepomi, Cheika has yet to decide whether Christian Warner or Andrew Dunne will partner scrumhalf Chris Whitaker.
The back three will be chosen from Luke Fitzgerald, Denis Hickie, Rob Kearney and Shane Horgan.
Brian O'Driscoll will captain the side alongside Gordon D'Arcy.
ULSTER: 15 - Bryn Cunningham; 14 - Mark Bartholomeusz; 13 - Paul Steinmetz; 12 - Paddy Wallace; 11 - Paul McKenzie; 10 - David Humphreys; 9 - Isaac Boss; 1 - Bryan Young; 2 - Rory Best; 3 - Simon Best (Captain); 4 - Justin Harrison; 5 - Matt McCullough; 6 - Neil Best; 7 - Kieron Dawson; 8 - Roger Wilson
Replacements: 16 - Paul Shields; 17 - Justin Fitzpatrick; 18 - Tim Barker; 19 - Stephen Ferris; 20 - Kieran Campbell; 21 - Kevin Maggs ; 22 - Scott Young
LEINSTER: 15 / 14 / 11 from: Denis Hickie / Shane Horgan / Luke Fitzgerald / Rob Kearney (1 to be omitted), 13: Brian O'Driscoll CAPTAIN, 12: Gordon D'Arcy, 10: Christian Warner / Andrew Dunne (1 to be omitted), 9: Chris Whitaker; 1: Ronan McCormack, 2: Brian Blaney, 3: Fosi Pala'amo, 4: Trevor Hogan, 5: Malcolm O'Kelly, 6: Stephen Keogh / Cameron Jowitt / Owen Finegan (2 to be omitted), 7: Keith Gleeson, 8: Jamie Heaslip
Replacements: yet to be confirmed
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