Declan Kidney has admitted that a need for more experience played a part in Ronan O'Gara's inclusion against New Zealand.
Ireland head coach banks on fly-half's experience
Declan Kidney has admitted that Ronan O'Gara's wealth of experience played a part in his recall to the Ireland first XV for the clash with New Zealand.
O'Gara sat out the final three matches of the Six Nations, with Leinster fly-half Jonathan Sexton taking his place.
But the 33-year-old veteran has been handed the No. 10 jersey for the one-off Test in New Plymouth on Saturday.
Head coach Kidney hailed the recent form of O'Gara, who will win his 99th cap against the All Blacks, but also believes his experience is valuable in light of the recent spate of injuries that have ruled many regulars out.
"Ronan has been playing well over the last couple of months and I think he deserves this start," he said.
"I've said all along we're blessed because we have Ronan who is a top-class outside half and Jonathan who is gaining experience all the time and every opportunity he's got he's taken it.
Reasons
"I think Ronan is the right guy for this game. There would be a mixture of reasons for it, some of it is just a feel, some of it is experience."
Hooker Sean Cronin will also be handed a start in the contest after injuries ruled out Rory Best and Jerry Flannery.
The 24-year-old thinks that his move to Connacht after coming through Munster's academy is responsible for his bright international future.
He added: "I moved up there to try and get some game time because I was behind the likes of Jerry Flannery and Frankie Sheehan when I was at Munster, so I wasn't getting much game time or exposure.
"I just sat down and weighed up my options and said I'd take the chance and move up.
"It's worked out very well. I've got a lot of game time up there and pushed my way in here. It's been a good move for me."
