Leinster go into Saturday’s RaboDirect PRO12 clash against Munster buoyed by the news coach Joe Schmidt has extended his contract – and he’s vowed to continue the hunt for silverware.

Since Schmidt’s arrival the Irish province have won back-to-back European Cups and finished runners-up in the RaboDirect PRO12 twice.

In order to make it third time lucky a win against their Irish rivals Munster could prove vital, and Brian O'Driscoll returns to the starting line-up.

He is joined by Fergus McFadden, with the returning Eoin Reddan partnering his Ireland colleague Jonathan Sexton at half back.

Jamie Heaslip will captain the side on his 150th career appearance for the club and will look to help them bounce back from their largest RaboDirect PRO12 defeat for almost five years at Connacht last Friday – 34-6.

Schmidt, who will remain at Leinster until at least 2014, will take heart from the fact they have not lost successive encounters against the fellow Irish provinces since 2008/09 and have a 100 per cent winning record in their 11 previous RaboDirect PRO12 matches at the Aviva Stadium.

But it’s the extension of his deal that has the New Zealander excited about Saturday’s game.

“I am delighted to sign an extension to my contract here with Leinster,” he said. “I’m lucky to be part of such a positive coaching team and to have the top quality support staff we have.

“The professionalism of the players is a real asset and they constantly challenge themselves and each other to improve, which makes them a great group to coach.

“The wider Leinster community have really made my family and I feel welcome here and we have been fortunate to have enjoyed some memorable success on the field.

“Let’s hope that with continued hard work – and a bit of luck – that there will be more bright days ahead.”

While Schmidt will be desperate to win his first game since signing a new contract, Munster’s Doug Howlett will be equally keen to mark his 100^th appearance for the club with victory.

The Kiwi wing, who was made captain at the start of the season, will retain his place but coach Rob Penney has made six changes to the side that started against Ospreys last time out.

Dave Kilcoyne comes in for Wian du Preez while Donnacha Ryan and Peter O'Mahony return to the starting XV for the first time this season.

Dave O'Calllaghan also returns hoping to improve on Munster’s poor away record – Penney’s troops having won just once in their last five games away from home and none of their last three visits to the Aviva Stadium.

But Howlett is keen for that record to change on what will be a memorable occasion. He said: "It's a great honour to have reached the 100 cap mark and I'm delighted to be up there with the others who achieved the same.

“I think it reflects really on how much my family and I have been made welcome and are enjoying our time here in Munster.

“It's also a reflection on the excellent management and care of players by the Munster medical staff and I'd like to acknowledge that fact.”

At Aviva Stadium, 6.30pm.

Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU, 20th competition game)
Assistant Referees: David Wilkinson, Simon McDowell (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Eddie Walsh (IRFU)
TMO: Marshall Kilgore (IRFU)

Live on TG4