And that means scrum-half Howley and wing Thomas swelling Wales' 50-cap club membership to 10 after Scott Gibbs reached the milestone earlier this season.

Swansea centre Gibbs keeps his place, despite a strong challenge from Llanelli's Stephen Jones, and knows it probably represents his final opportunity to push Lions tour selection claims.

Jones went on for Gibbs against France early in the second half, and is highly-rated by Henry.

Full-back Rhys Williams again keeps out Swansea's in-form Kevin Morgan, and Henry has also retained the same seven replacements on duty at Stade de France.

Williams (knee) and substitute back-row forward Geraint Lewis (shoulder) have minor injury problems, so Cardiff wing Craig Morgan and Bath flanker Gavin Thomas were called up for today's training session.

But neither Williams nor Lewis are expected to miss the Rome trip, when Wales seek an eighth successive victory against Italy stretching back to the countries' first meeting in 1992.