Former Ireland head coach Eddie O'Sullivan says he would have picked Ian Madigan to start at out-half in the Six Nations opener against Italy.
Joe Schmidt named Munster's Ian Keatley as his starting 10 for the match in Rome.
Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast's Ivan Yates, O'Sullivan would have made a different choice.
"Personally, I would have gone for Ian Madigan. But you have to give credit for the coach. He's on the ground with them and he knows exactly where they are," said O'Sullivan.
"He seems to be playing a running game which worked very well last year in the Aviva and ran Italy off their feet. If you're going to do that, I think Madigan is the man for that. He's picked an openside to support that, but he's gone with Keatley so I'm not sure exactly what his logic is. For me, I probably would have gone in a different direction on that one."
O'Sullivan was also surprised at the inclusion of Ulster's Jared Payne at outside-centre over the more experienced Gordon D'Arcy, and believes that it is a midfield "that will be tested" by the Italians.
However, he does not expect Italy to be a major threat, although he acknowledges that the Azzurri will be "tricky and awkward".
O'Sullivan also cast his eye over the other Six Nations teams, and believes that Wales will beat an under-pressure and injury-ravaged England side tonight in Cardiff.
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