Leinster and Ulster were both on the right side of narrow victories last weekend and have started the New Year with a bang, making their battle one of the most intriguing of Round 13.

The two Guinness PRO14 heavyweights are locked in an intense battle for a top-four spot in Conference B and this match could go a long way to deciding where they finish.

What’s at stake?

Aside from pride, this interpro derby match comes at an intriguing time of the campaign.

Leinster are perhaps the most in-form side of Europe and have lost just once in all competitions since the end of September.

However, they still sit just second in a tight Conference B behind defending champions Scarlets.

Ulster’s form has picked up more recently and Les Kiss’ men have lost just one of their last seven with that stirring comeback against Munster typifying their new-found resolve.

🎥 @Stuart_Mc12 is expecting a high tempo game against Leinster on Saturday at the RDS Arena… pic.twitter.com/5hIjYJ2Yys

— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) January 5, 2018

However, perhaps the most telling stat is that Ulster have won just one of their last 14 trips to the RDS Arena.

Team news (Leinster):

Jack McGrath will lead Leinster out at the RDS Arena for the first time on his 123^rd appearance for the club.

Ireland duo Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose form a potent centre partnership, while Jamison Gibson-Park and Ross Byrne are in at half-back.

Byrne comes in for Jonathan Sexton, who is relegated to the bench while academy player Josh Murphy starts for the second time in Leinster colours in the back row.

Team news (Ulster):

Rory Best is back from injury to lead Ulster for the first time in a month at the RDS Arena.

The Ireland hooker was out with an ankle injury and has not featured since facing the Dragons at the start of December.

Lock Peter Browne will start for the first time since September, while Darren Cave, who scored a try and got an assist against Munster on Monday, lines up again in midfield.

Talking points:

Sean Reidy said: “You look at Leinster’s squad across the board and they’ve got a lot of internationals and a lot of good players.

“It’s plain and simple, if we don’t turn up it will be a long day at the office but the boys are ready.

“The boys are pumped, the boys are going to take a good and physical attitude down there.

“We’ve got to be as prepared as we can and focus on ourselves, we know they’re going to be good whoever they put in their back row or pack.” Leinster assistant coach John Fogarty said: “Sean (O’Brien) is unavailable for this week, that’s as far as it goes at the moment.

“We’re not going to risk it.

“For Adam (Byrne) it has been a frustrating time for him and us, we want him out there. It has taken time, he is back on his feet and up and at it.”

Key battle: Ross Byrne v Christian Lealiifano

The battle at fly-half is key to any rugby match but this one is enough to get mouths watering.

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Ross Byrne may be Johnny Sexton’s understudy at Leinster but he has proven to be invaluable this season with an array of excellent crossfield kicks setting up six tries.

He comes up against Ulster’s Christian Lealiifano, who has made a positive impact since joining in the summer.

The 30-year-old Australian is a wily veteran and will seriously test Byrne’s credentials.

Key stat:

Leinster have lost only one of their last four fixtures with Ulster: 13-17 in Belfast last May.

Did you know?

Leinster have lost only once in all competitions since the end of September – going down 21-31 at Glasgow in Round 8 of the Guinness PRO14.

Leinster: Jordan Lamour, Fergus McFadden, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Barry Daly, Ross Byrne, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jack McGrath, James Tracy, Tadhg Furlong, Devin Toner, Scott Fardy, Josh Murphy, Jordi Murphy, Jack Conan.

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Ed Byrne, Andrew Porter, Mick Kearney, Max Deegan, Nick McCarthy, Johnny Sexton, Noel Reid.

Ulster: Charles Piutau, Andrew Trimble, Darren Cave, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Christian Lealiifano, Jonny Stewart, Callum Black, Rory Best (C), Rodney Ah You, Peter Browne, Iain Henderson, Matthew Rea, Sean Reidy, Jean Deysel.

Replacements: Rob Herring, Kyle McCall, Wiehahn Herbst, Alan O’Connor, Nick Timoney, John Cooney, Johnny McPhillips, Tommy Bowe

Match officials – Referee: George Clancy (IRFU), AR1: Joy Neville (IRFU), AR2: Shane Kierans (IRFU), TMO: Peter Fitzgibbon (IRFU)

TV: Sky Sports, TG4, BBC Sport NI

Guinness PRO14 Final 2018 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 for adults and €5 for children, and can be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie