Zebo, 22, and 21-year-old Gilroy both shone in the 30-22 win over Wales at the Millennium Stadium last weekend and will both start in what has already been billed as a potential Championship decider at the Aviva Stadium this weekend.

Munster’s Zebo has had to deal with more media attention than ever before in his young career this week after his stunning back-heel on the run rescued a poor pass and enabled Cian Healy to score Ireland’s second try against Wales.

But despite the attention that has come his way Kidney, believes both men have the character to let their rugby do the talking this weekend.

"Simon's dealing with it very well, he's just getting on with his job. There hasn't been any difference in him," he said.

"It's one of the challenges for a young player who's had a good game or two, because that's what it is.

"If he has a good head on his shoulders he'll be thinking, 'I've only had one or two good games, so let me get a dozen or so of those under my belt and then maybe I can talk'. Simon knows he has a few other things to work on.

"Simon and Craig definitely have that young exuberance about them and are characters in different ways. They're great squad men and great to be around.

"They're playing some good rugby and that's on the back of a lot of work done during the week."