ANDY FARRELL BELIEVES that Ryan Baird is ready to become the world-class forward that those who saw his early potential have always believed was possible.
Baird is a uniquely talented athlete, yet it is only relatively recently that the Leinster man has become a first-choice player for Ireland due to competition for places, injury issues, and fully finding his feet at Test level.
He took over at blindside flanker last November, starting all four of Ireland’s Tests that month, only to suffer a leg fracture in the final game of the campaign against South Africa.
Baird got back for Leinster last season but then had to deal with a recurrence of the leg injury, meaning he hasn’t played for Ireland since last November.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has now restored Baird to the starting XV at the first available opportunity for Friday night’s Nations Championship clash with Argentina in Dublin.
Farrell is excited to see how Baird combines in an all-new Irish back row alongside Nick Timoney and Sean Jansen.
“He’s come bouncing back into the building,” said Farrell of Baird.
“He’s started the season really well. He was in really good form before he had the unfortunate injuries.
“I can see massive growth in him, not just as a rugby player but as a person as well. It’s an exciting year for him. I think the world’s his oyster really, if he goes about it the right way.”
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Farrell’s words are notable because in the past, Ireland and Leinster coaches have seemed somewhat hesitant to speak overly glowingly about what Baird might achieve in the game.
Ryan Baird at Ireland training. Ben Brady / INPHO
Ben Brady / INPHO / INPHO
But Farrell wasn’t holding back as he underlined that Friday’s match in Dublin is the start of a big chance for Baird to take his game to the next level.
“It is, because he can be a world-class six and he can be a world-class second row as well,” said Farrell. “He can 100%.
“He’s thoroughly focused on being as good as he possibly can be. His professionalism is through the roof. His head’s in the right place, and his ambition is to be the best he can.
“But international rugby, it knocks people around in different ways. You’ve got to react to different sorts of pressures, etc. He’s got the quality to be able to react in the right way.
“His point of difference is there for all to see with his speed and power and all of that. But his understanding of the game is growing massively, certainly at set-piece and his leadership within that, especially at the lineout.
“I think the world’s his oyster. It’s just how you navigate your way through this next 12 months.”
As Baird returns on the blindside flank, Ulster man Timoney gets an exciting chance to impress on the openside in a frontline Irish team.
Farrell expects that Timoney starting will incite a “response” from Josh van der Flier, who switches to the bench this time around, but the Ireland boss also wants to see Timoney driving on after an impressive campaign last season.
“Nick needs to take his game to another level because we’ve seen him do that at international level, but there’s more in him,” said Farrell.
Connacht’s Jansen gets his second Test start at number eight, with Caelan Doris and Jack Conan missing through injury.
Nick Timoney starts at openside. Ben Brady / INPHO
Ben Brady / INPHO / INPHO
Jansen made a strong impact on Ireland’s Nations Championship tour of Australia and New Zealand in July, with Farrell praising him for his “phenomenal” work rate and consistency.
“Well, I watch every game, every week, and I see not just how he’s grown but how consistent he is at performing really well most weeks and at the heart of that is his toughness, his mental toughness,” said Farrell.
“And the reason that you bring these types of guys into the international fold on a tour, certainly when you’re away for three or four weeks, you get to understand the person and the background of the person and what makes them tick.
“You certainly realise that he’s a tough cookie who’s serious about his rugby and there’s a lot more in him than what you would think.
“It’s not just determination. He’s actually quite quick for a number eight, his fitness is through the roof, and he’s got good skills as well.
“Like everyone, to get time at this level you’ve got to keep performing when you get your chance, and he gets his chance on Friday night.”
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'The world's his oyster' - Ireland excited to have Baird back
ANDY FARRELL BELIEVES that Ryan Baird is ready to become the world-class forward that those who saw his early potential have always believed was possible.
Baird is a uniquely talented athlete, yet it is only relatively recently that the Leinster man has become a first-choice player for Ireland due to competition for places, injury issues, and fully finding his feet at Test level.
He took over at blindside flanker last November, starting all four of Ireland’s Tests that month, only to suffer a leg fracture in the final game of the campaign against South Africa.
Baird got back for Leinster last season but then had to deal with a recurrence of the leg injury, meaning he hasn’t played for Ireland since last November.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has now restored Baird to the starting XV at the first available opportunity for Friday night’s Nations Championship clash with Argentina in Dublin.
Farrell is excited to see how Baird combines in an all-new Irish back row alongside Nick Timoney and Sean Jansen.
“He’s come bouncing back into the building,” said Farrell of Baird.
“He’s started the season really well. He was in really good form before he had the unfortunate injuries.
“I can see massive growth in him, not just as a rugby player but as a person as well. It’s an exciting year for him. I think the world’s his oyster really, if he goes about it the right way.”
Farrell’s words are notable because in the past, Ireland and Leinster coaches have seemed somewhat hesitant to speak overly glowingly about what Baird might achieve in the game.
But Farrell wasn’t holding back as he underlined that Friday’s match in Dublin is the start of a big chance for Baird to take his game to the next level.
“It is, because he can be a world-class six and he can be a world-class second row as well,” said Farrell. “He can 100%.
“He’s thoroughly focused on being as good as he possibly can be. His professionalism is through the roof. His head’s in the right place, and his ambition is to be the best he can.
“But international rugby, it knocks people around in different ways. You’ve got to react to different sorts of pressures, etc. He’s got the quality to be able to react in the right way.
“His point of difference is there for all to see with his speed and power and all of that. But his understanding of the game is growing massively, certainly at set-piece and his leadership within that, especially at the lineout.
“I think the world’s his oyster. It’s just how you navigate your way through this next 12 months.”
As Baird returns on the blindside flank, Ulster man Timoney gets an exciting chance to impress on the openside in a frontline Irish team.
Farrell expects that Timoney starting will incite a “response” from Josh van der Flier, who switches to the bench this time around, but the Ireland boss also wants to see Timoney driving on after an impressive campaign last season.
“Nick needs to take his game to another level because we’ve seen him do that at international level, but there’s more in him,” said Farrell.
Connacht’s Jansen gets his second Test start at number eight, with Caelan Doris and Jack Conan missing through injury.
Jansen made a strong impact on Ireland’s Nations Championship tour of Australia and New Zealand in July, with Farrell praising him for his “phenomenal” work rate and consistency.
“Well, I watch every game, every week, and I see not just how he’s grown but how consistent he is at performing really well most weeks and at the heart of that is his toughness, his mental toughness,” said Farrell.
“And the reason that you bring these types of guys into the international fold on a tour, certainly when you’re away for three or four weeks, you get to understand the person and the background of the person and what makes them tick.
“You certainly realise that he’s a tough cookie who’s serious about his rugby and there’s a lot more in him than what you would think.
“It’s not just determination. He’s actually quite quick for a number eight, his fitness is through the roof, and he’s got good skills as well.
“Like everyone, to get time at this level you’ve got to keep performing when you get your chance, and he gets his chance on Friday night.”
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andy farrell back row Ireland Nations Championship ryan baird