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Paddy Wallace made his first Six Nations start against France

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has named an unchanged team for Sunday's RBS Six Nations game against Italy in Rome.

Kidney's decision not to tinker with his 22-man squad is no surprise after the team's hugely impressive opening win over France at Croke Park.

Paddy Wallace holds on to his inside centre berth, despite Gordon D'Arcy's crucial late try against the French.

Ronan O'Gara, Marcus Horan and Jamie Heaslip did not train on Wednesday morning but they will be fit to start.

Wallace (facial cuts) and Jerry Flannery (shoulder) had been minor fitness doubts but they have been passed fit to take their places.

Full-back Rob Kearney has also recovered from the ankle strain which made him a doubt for last weekend's opener.

Captain Brian O'Driscoll will earn his 90th cap on Sunday while prop John Hayes will equal the Irish cap record of 91 appearances of his fellow squad member Malcolm O'Kelly.

Ulster prop Tom Court remains on an unchanged bench.

On the balance of everything I felt it was best to go with the team the way it was because it had done well Declan Kidney

Kidney explained that he had considered changing his starting line-up but decided to opt for continuity.

"We talked long and hard about whether we would alternate things," said Kidney.

"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."

Kidney says he expects a tough test from the Italians in Rome on Sunday.

"As the game against England went on, they got stronger and stronger.

"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.

"When you go into a match like Sunday you can't be too surprised if we'll have only 40 per cent possession because when they get it they hold it for long periods of time.

"If your discipline isn't right up there, they'll pick off their points and it could become a very difficult day."

Ireland: R Kearney; Bowe, B O'Driscoll (capt), P Wallace, Fitzgerald; O'Gara, O'Leary; Horan, Flannery, Hayes, O'Callaghan, O'Connell, Ferris, D Wallace, Heaslip.
Replacements: R Best, Court, O'Kelly, Leamy, Stringer, D'Arcy, G Murphy.

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