Front row ace Jenkins – who fittingly also made his debut for the region against Leinster back in September 2004 – will captain the side as he reaches another big milestone in his career.
Director of Rugby Mark Hammett makes three changes to the starting line-up that defeated Newport Gwent Dragons on New Year’s Day.
Tighthead prop Adam Jones is called into the front row, to pack down with Kristian Dacey and skipper Jenkins.
Lock Lou Reed is also called up to join forces with New Zealand international Jarrad Hoeata in the second row, with Samoa international Filo Paulo ruled out through injury following the team run on Friday.
The final change sees a return for wing Alex Cuthbert while fit-again scrum half Lloyd Williams is named among the replacements.
The fixture will be Blues first Guinness PRO12 fixture on home soil in 2015 and boss Hammett is aware of the size of the challenge the region faces against the champions.
“Leinster have set the benchmark for many clubs in European rugby and will arrive at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park full of confidence and with a talented squad,” he said.
“They are powerful in the set piece and look to keep the ball in hand and alive when they attack. When they are defending they use the choke tackle to really put pressure on.
“Our contact work will have to go up another notch and we need to work hard in both attack and defence if we are to secure an important result.”
Hammett is also calling on the home fans to once again crank up the volume levels adding: “We enjoyed an incredible level of support over the festive season.
“Our home games with Scarlets and Dragons saw over 20,000 fans come through the turnstiles and generate a superb atmosphere.
“It would be fantastic to replicate those noise levels again against Leinster and make it another truly memorable occasion.”
Tickets remain on sale NOW for the home clash with Leinster Rugby at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park. Call the Ticket Office on 02920 302030 during office hours, visit in person or click HERE to buy online.
Cardiff Blues: 15 Joaquin Tuculet, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Cory Allen, 12 Gavin Evans, 11 Lucas Amorosino, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Tavis Knoyle; 1 Gethin Jenkins (c), 2 Kristian Dacey, 3 Adam Jones, 4 Lou Reed, 5 Jarrad Hoeata, 6 Josh Turnbull, 7 Sam Warburton, 8 Josh Navidi
Replacements: 16 Matthew Rees, 17 Sam Hobbs, 18Taufa’ao Filise, 19 Miles Normandale, 20 Manoa Vosawai, 21 Lloyd Williams, 22 Gareth Davies, 23 Adam Thomas