Peter O’Mahony’s retirement invited Baird to make a down payment on the Ireland number six jersey during the summer. Baird was one of the few Ireland players who could reflect on their 80-minute performance with a degree of personal satisfaction, despite the disappointing nature of a 26-13 defeat. Ryan Baird of Ireland knocks the ball away from Josh Lord of the All Blacks during a lineout in Saturday's Test match at Soldier Field, Chicago. Photograph: Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesBeirne’s ejection meant Baird had to run a lineout without a secondrow for 20 minutes. He also came up with a couple of vital steals on New Zealand throws five metres from the Irish line.
