Cian Tracey: Clash of styles awaits as Ryan Baird looks to make his mark for Ireland
England have prioritised the breakdown battle while Simon Easterby’s side look well equipped in the air and on the ground
Ryan Baird with head of athletic performance Aled Walters during an Ireland training session in Quinto do Lago, Portugal this week. Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Steve Borthwick wasted no time in beginning the mind games last weekend when the England head coach not so subtly urged Ben O’Keeffe, the referee for tomorrow’s Six Nations game, to ensure Ireland’s attacking breakdown is “legal and within the laws”.
The battle lines were drawn before Borthwick doubled down by naming his team two days earlier than originally planned.
