TEETH BAIRD

Ryan ripped into Italy because he must seize every chance

- MICHAEL SCULLY

RYAN BAIRD tore into Italy when he came on in Rome because he knew he had no other choice. 

Parachuted into the squad after Tadhg Beirne’s ankle surgery ruled him out for the rest of the Six Nations, Baird was out to show what he can do.

He replaced Iain Henderson in the second row and produced a big turnover before an lineout steal five metres from Ireland’s line in a display that earned praise from skipper James Ryan.

“It was tough for the first two games not playing so I said, ‘When I get my chance, I’m going to f****** take it’,” Baird said. “I felt I played well. I knew the system. When I came on, I tried to give the boys a boost – I had fresh legs and it was just try and bring a bit of energy into the team. It was great.