Former Leinster backs coach David Knox has criticised the appointment of Munster's Declan Kidney as the new head coach of Ireland.

Kidney was appointed Ireland coach up to the 2011 World Cup following the resignation of Eddie O'Sullivan after a disappointing Six Nations campaign.

Knox (pictured), who recently returned to Australia after three years with Leinster, claims Ireland should have employed someone from overseas to help them break free of the style adopted by O'Sullivan.

In a candid interview with the Irish Independent, Knox also said that Ireland fly-half Ronan O'Gara did not deserve the praise he has received in the past.

"It's a big mistake to choose Declan Kidney as the new coach," Knox said. "The Irish international 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 he (Kidney) is a messiah but I just don't understand that."

O'Gara, who has been instrumental in Munster and Ireland's success over a number of years, came in for special criticism from Knox.

"I have been here for three years and I have never seen him create space for anybody," added Knox, a former Wallaby centre and a member of the 1991 World Cup-winning squad.

"Yet over here he ranks with Dan Carter as the best fly-half in the world. I have never heard such rubbish."

Knox conceded Munster's style had been successful in Europe but maintained that it was unsuitable for the highest level of the game.

"Munster's record is fantastic but you can't tell me they play anything but 10-man rugby," added Know, who also played for the ACT Brumbies and French club Narbonne.

"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."

Knox also believes Munster have failed to make the most of former All Black Doug Howlett, who joined them in the summer.

"If Doug Howlett had played for Leinster this season, he would have ended up scoring 30 tries. He's scored about three or four for Munster," continued the Australian.

"He's seen as the greatest buy of the year but how often has he touched the ball? They have no idea how to use him."

Munster face Toulouse at Twickenham in the final of the Heineken Cup on May 24.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport