Wales ended a run of eight straight defeats in the Stade de France, triumphing 16-6 thanks to George North's late try, and Howley believes the players deserve to be rewarded with a starting role meaning Sam Warburton and Alun Wyn Jones have to settle for a place on the bench.

And with another away fixture in front of them, this time at the Stadio Olimpico, Howley will be expecting a similarly determined performance against an Italian side who also mastered the French.

"On the back of the performance at the weekend, we have decided to reward the players who took to the field and the same XV who started in Paris will start against Italy," said Howley.

"It's a reward for their performance. We talked about attitude, determination and resilience and a side that comes up with a win out in France, which is not an easy place to win on any occasion, deserves to start the next match.

"Obviously we are mindful that the XV selected is dependent on injuries, with some players playing before next week, but if everyone comes through it will be the same XV.

"I thought Ryan [Jones] was outstanding in terms of his leadership and he will captain the side against Italy. Sam [Warburton] is still feeling the stinger to some extent but it has improved but I just want to clarify that the team comes first and the way the team played, they deserve to start again."

Italy may have been convincingly beaten by Scotland at Murrayfield but will be looking to draw upon the memory of their last victory over Wales, a 23-20 victory in the 2007 RBS 6 Nations.

To do just that the Azzurri have made four changes, Manoa Vosawai coming in at No.8 with Sergio Parisse banned for the remainder of the tournament - with Martin Castrogiovanni taking over role as captain.

There is a completely new half-back pairing with Kris Burton at fly-half and Edoardo Gori wearing the No.9 shirt, while Antonio Pavanello comes in at lock for his first RBS 6 Nations start.

And head coach Jacques Brunel insists that despite the disappointment of not being able to back up the victory over 2011 World Cup finalists France, his side will still have a positive outlook on this weekend's clash.

"It's disappointing as a result but that's how it is," said Brunel. "We have to be positive about it, even with this. The Six Nations has only just started.

"This week off will help us digest the win and get back together next Sunday in Rome with a lot of desire to do well against Wales in the Olimpico."