It was their first success over Les Bleus for six years and the style of the victory convinced Kidney to abandon his policy of squad-building.

“We talked long and hard about whether we would alternate things,” Kidney added.

“We put a good bit of thought into it, not so much as a negative reflection on how the lads played last Saturday, just the fact we’re in a tournament.

“We’ve a stated objection of trying to build a squad since the start of the season.

“But on the balance of everything I felt it was best to go with the team the way it was because it had done well.”

Paddy Wallace, available after recovering from the eye injury he sustained against France, has held off the challenge of Gordon D’Arcy to retain his place at inside centre.

But D’Arcy, who scored the crucial final try on Saturday, is sure to appear from the bench as Ireland seek to build on the momentum established at Croke Park.

Italy are not expected to wreck Irish ambitions of claiming only a second Grand Slam after hitting the self-destruct button at Twickenham on Saturday.

But despite the Azzurri’s 36-11 mauling by England, Kidney believes their experience ensures they remain a formidable side.

“As the game went on, they got stronger and stronger,” said Kidney.

“A stat came up on the television regarding the number of caps that they have.

“The front row average somewhere in the region of 60 caps a man, there are 40 in the second row, 40 in the back row and 30-odd in the backs.

“That showed throughout the game because, if teams are young and inexperienced in the first 20 minutes, it might go like that and they just don’t know what to do.

“This was a team of experienced men who knew how to garner their resources, how to become far more resilient and got scores in the second half.

“They tightened up and, when Italy tighten up, you just look at the possession stakes.”