Leinster veteran Gordon D’Arcy says experience could be the decisive factor against old rivals Munster in this weekend’s standout GUINNESS PRO12 clash.

Both teams have two wins and two losses from the first four rounds of the season and Leinster have made three changes to the starting XV which started last Friday against Cardiff Blues.

All of the changes are in the forwards with Jack McGrath and Mike Ross starting for their 65th and 112th Leinster appearance respectively.

Sean Cronin will start his fifth GUINNESS PRO12 game in a row at hooker, the Limerick man facing his former club for whom he made two appearances.

The final change is in the second row with Mike McCarthy coming in to partner Devin Toner as the hosts look to preserve their perfect record in the PRO12 at the Aviva Stadium.

All four of Leinster's GUINNESS PRO12 matches this season have been won by the home side, and D'Arcy, 34, feels that in order for this record to continue, his side must build upon knowledge gained from previous encounters between the two sides.

"The great thing about being this old is that you have plenty of experience," said centre D'Arcy, who scored his 60th try for Leinster in their 37-23 bonus win against the Blues at the RDS Arena last weekend.

"I know if you go in half-cocked against Munster then you'll get absolutely blown out the gate.

"I know their leadership group, I know their players well enough that they will be absolutely spitting fire after the weekend (defeat against Ospreys) and they'll be looking for a reaction.

"It's about the physicality, it's about trying to create that go-forward ball. They will bring that to the game and the challenge to us is that we don't get caught napping. We're physically ready and mentally ready for the battle."

Munster have won their last three regular season away games in the tournament but have lost on their last five visits to the Aviva Stadium.

Their only victory over Leinster since the 2011 final came in Limerick in round five last season, and in order to change that head coach Anthony Foley has made a total of eight changes to the starting line-up that faced Ospreys last weekend.

In the front row James Cronin and Stephen Archer come in at loose-head and tight-head respectively, while other changes include Dave Foley and Andrew Smith.

Robin Copeland continues at No.8 and, after his summer move from Cardiff Blues, he admits this game could be the perfect chance to get his feet under the table.

"I am trying to immerse myself in the culture, what is expected of me and the team," said Copeland.

"There were lots of reasons why I came home and why I joined here. The main one was to try and win trophies and try and work my way into the starting team and eventually into a green jersey.

"They are the big goals. Playing well in these games is a big part of that, so I guess there is a responsibility and expectation to perform. For these big occasions, you have to bring your A game."

At Aviva Stadium, 6.30pm. Live on Sky Sports
Referee: Ian Davies (WRU, 20th competition game)
Assistant Referees: David Wilkinson, Mark Patton (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: John West (IRFU)
TMO: Simon Mc Dowell