Those heroics, inspired by George North’s late try, saw Wales claim a 16-6 win and have resulted in Howley naming an unchanged XV despite the game being 11 days away.

The interim coach has said he felt he needed to reward his side for their performance in the Stade de France but explained he’d told Warburton personally of his selection decision.

Howley – who has retained Ryan Jones as skipper – will announce his full 23-man squad on Tuesday February 19 and he said: “Obviously I've spoken to Sam.

“He has taken it very positively. Obviously he stays with us, he's part of the squad, and he'll be a fantastic captain in years to come.

“But for this game, on the back of our performance in France I think it's important that we said same again.

"I thought Ryan Jones was outstanding in terms of his leadership and it is a just reward that he captains the side against Italy.”

Meanwhile, Wales have been haded a boost with the return of lock Alun Wyn Jones – who turned out for the Ospreys on Friday night – to the 36-man training squad.

WALES

Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues)
Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues)
Jonathan Davies (Scarlets)
Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues)
George North (Scarlets)
Dan Biggar (Ospreys)
Mike Phillips (Bayonne)

Gethin Jenkins (Toulon)
Richard Hibbard (Ospreys)
Adam Jones (Ospreys)
Andrew Coombs (Newport Gwent Dragons)
Ian Evans (Ospreys)
Ryan Jones (Ospreys) Captain
Justin Tipuric (Ospreys)
Toby Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons)