Kidney arrives in the job having recently landed a second Heineken Cup title with Munster, and many believed he would look to transfer the province's trademark style on to the Test stage.

But the new Ireland boss is looking to build on the foundations that O'Sullivan laid down during his tenure.

"We certainly won't be looking to re-invent the wheel because you only have to look at the success of the team over the last six years," Kidney said.

"If I came in with loads of fresh plans, that would be casting aspersions on what went on before and I don't think there was much wrong."