Former Leinster coach David Knox has claimed Ireland have made a big mistake by putting Declan Kidney in charge of the national side.
Former Leinster coach critical of new national chief
Former Leinster coach David Knox has claimed Ireland have made a big mistake by putting Declan Kidney in charge of the national side.
The IRFU turned to the Munster chief to replace Eddie O'Sullivan, despite the likes of World Cup-winner Jake White and former Leicester coach Pat Howard having been in the frame for the job.
However Australia-born Knox believes Ireland should have looked at appointing an overseas candidate.
Knox, who helped guide Leinster to the Magners League title this year as backs coach before leaving the club, said: "It's a big mistake to choose Declan Kidney as the new coach.
"The Ireland team badly needed a foreign coach. After the Eddie O'Sullivan era they wanted someone to test these guys, show them a new way to play.
"The Munster people think Kidney is a Messiah but I just don't understand that."
Rubbish
Former Wallabies fly-half Knox has also criticised the standard of Ireland's players, insisting the likes of Ronan O'Gara are nowhere near world-class.
"When Ireland's players come to play at the very highest level, such as a World Cup, they come up short," he insisted.
"I have been here for three years and I have never seen Ronan O'Gara create space for anybody.
"Yet over here he ranks with Dan Carter as the best fly-half in the world. I have never heard such rubbish.
"Munster's record is fantastic but you can't tell me they play anything but 10-man rugby.
"Unfortunately, players can't just switch on style play when they get into the international arena.
"Munster get 30 points on the board by grinding away and when the other team is shot, they try and throw the ball around a bit. Then people say, what a great team. It's rubbish."
