The defending champions, who overcame Northampton Saints and Ulster in the previous two finals, aim to make history - and go one better than Leicester Tigers in 2001 and 2002 - by becoming the first side to win a historic hat-trick of successive titles.

The omens appear to be good for three-times holders Leinster with five of the last seven winners of this competition coming from the Emerald Isle.

Leinster warmed up for their Pool 5 opener with a timely 30-21 victory over Irish rivals Munster to move into a play-off position in the Pro12.

Talisman and midfield maestro Brian O'Driscoll limped off for the Irish province in the second half with an ankle injury, but the Ireland captain and centre is expected to be passed fit to figure.

Rob Baxter's Exeter, who qualified for the first time after a fifth-placed finish in England last term, have made another solid start to their Aviva Premiership campaign and make the daunting trip to Dublin on the back of a morale-boosting 42-28 success over Harlequins.