The eldest of the three is 23-year-old Rhys Ruddock and he is joined in the back row by Jack Conan on only his second start and academy player Josh van der Flier who is making his first full start for the team.

Elsewhere Richardt Strauss is back in the starting 15 for the first time since his hamstring injury in May. The hooker is joined in the front row by Marty Moore and Jack McGrath while in the second row Mike McCarthy is partnered by Kane Douglas.

Captain Rob Kearney starts at full-back and is joined by Darragh Fanning on the left wing. In another return from injury, Zane Kirchner comes in on the right wing.

Isaac Boss and Ian Madigan are partnered at half-back while Gordon D’Arcy is at number 13. Noel Reid comes in at 12 - his first start since an injury in the opening PRO12 game against Glasgow.

Leinster team in full:. Rob Kearney - capt, Zane Kirchner,. Gordon D'Arcy, Noel Reid, Darragh Fanning, Ian Madigan, Isaac Boss, Jack McGrath, Richardt Strauss, Marty Moore, Mike McCarthy, Kane Douglas, Rhys Ruddock, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan.

Replacements: Bryan Byrne, Ed Byrne, Tadhg Furlong, Devin Toner, Jamie Heaslip, Luke McGrath, Jimmy Gopperth, Mick McGrath.

Zebre team in full: David Odiete, Giulio Toniolatti, Tommaso Iannone, Gonzalo Garcia, Leonardo Sarto, Edoardo Padovani, Guglielmo Palazzani, Samuela Vunisa, Filippo Cristiano, Mauro Bergamasco, Marco Bortolami - capt, Quintin Geldenhuys, Dario Chistolini, Andrea Manici, Matias Aguero.

Replacements: Oliviero Fabiani, Andrea Lovotti, Luciano Leibson, Andries Ferreira, Valerio Bernabò, Luciano Orquera, Kelly Haimona, George Biagi.

The match kicks-off at 3pm Irish time on Saturday October 11 at Stadio XXV Aprile.