A matchday 23 containing 18 internationals will make the trip across the English Channel for the Pool Two encounter, in what will be the first-ever competitive meeting between the two sides.
An all-new front-row sees Fraser Brown pack down at hooker, lining up between props Alex Allan and Zander Fagerson.
Scott Cummings and Jonny Gray combine in the second-row for the first time this season in Glasgow colours, following their respective appearances at the recent Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Callum Gibbins returns from injury to line up at openside, in a back-row completed by Ryan Wilson on the blindside and Matt Fagerson at number eight.
Behind the scrum, George Horne and Adam Hastings return in the half-backs having been rested for last weekend's clash with Leinster at Scotstoun.
Sam Johnson continues at inside centre, with Nick Grigg coming into the side to partner his fellow Scotland midfielder.
DTH van der Merwe and Nikola Matawalu will start on the wings, as Tommy Seymour reverts to full-back.
Following an impressive debut from the bench last weekend, Aki Seiuli is in line for his first appearance in Europe's premier club competition as he lines up alongside George Turner and Adam Nicol as the front-row replacements.
Robert Harley brings his considerable experience to the replacements bench, with Tom Gordon coming into the squad in the number 20 jersey.
Ali Price and Peter Horne rotate to the bench after starting last weekend, as the newly re-signed Kyle Steyn completes the matchday squad.
Meanwhile, D'arcy Rae sustained an injury to his hand in the defeat to Leinster last weekend. The prop has undergone surgery and is expected to be out of action for up to four months.
On his selection, Rennie said: "We are excited to be back in Europe and have prepared well.
"We welcome back an experienced crew to test ourselves against a big, physical La Rochelle side, who are notoriously tough at home."
14 DTH van der Merwe
13 Nick Grigg
12 Sam Johnson
11 Nikola Matawalu
10 Adam Hastings
9 George Horne
1 Alex Allan
2 Fraser Brown
3 Zander Fagerson
4 Scott Cummings
5 Johnny Gray
6 Ryan Wilson
7 Callum Gibbins
8 Matt Fagerson
Substitutes
16 George Turner
17 Aki Seiuli
18 Adam Nicol
19 Robert Harley
20 Tom Gordon
21 Ali Price
22 Peter Horne
23 Kyle Steyn
Not available due to injury: Nick Frisby (ankle), Siua Halanukonuka (calf), Rory Hughes (head), Lee Jones (calf), Oli Kebble (head), Patrick Kelly (hamstring), Kiran McDonald (hip), D'arcy Rae (hand) and Ratu Tagive (hamstring)