Baird spells danger for Ireland as Scots in bid for redemption

FORMER Scotland and Lions international winger Roger Baird will have plenty reason to cheer the Scotland Under-20’s at Dubarry Park tonight (7.30pm).

His son Jonny is named at number eight on the Scottish team, and though a bigger version of his father, he is reputed to be almost as swift and elusive on his feet as the free-scoring Roger, one of a few to emerge from a disastrous 1983 tour of New Zealand with an enhanced reputation.

Scotland head coach Colin Robertson has made some changes in a bid to get twice-defeated Scotland on the victory trail, amongst them a decision to elevate Glasgow youngster Ruaridh Jackson to the team.

Jackson recorded his first Magners League appearance of the season when he came off the bench during Glasgow’s defeat at Llanelli Scarlets on Friday night and impressed Robertson with his tenacity.

Team manager John Jeffrey, another former Lion, also highlighted Jackson’s creativity and believes the young Warrior will make an impact against Ireland.

Jeffrey pinpointed a lack of accuracy during the side’s previous two matches as being the chief factor behind the team’s lack of initial success.

In relation to his former colleague’s son (Baird), Jeffrey said: “Jonny is a genuine number eight; he brings control to the base of the scrum and adds some athleticism as well.”

Ireland should have a share of athleticism also, particularly in new recruit James Sandford, who has been upgraded to under-20 level a year early, after appearing for the Irish Schools side in the last couple of years.

Sandford, a second row from Queens University, is joined by new hooker Jason Harris-Wright (Greystones) in the starting line up after both were sprung from the bench against France.

Although Ireland lost that game following a slim win over Italy in the opening game, Eric Elwood is optimistic his side can do the business tonight. He said: “We hope this third game will bring us to another higher level,” he said.

Ireland: D Kearney (Lansdowne), S Scanlon (UCC), E O’Malley (Old Belvedere), E Sheridan (Lansdowne), C Cochrane (Queens), M Dufficy (Dublin University), D Moore (Blackrock), P Karayiannis (Queens), J Harris-Wright (Greystones), B Barclay (UCD), J Sandford (Queens), E Sheriff (Lansdowne), K Essex (UL Bohemian), P Ryan (Blackrock, capt), P Mallon (Lansdowne).

Replacements: S Douglas (Ballymena), S Archer (UCC), D Nolan (Galwegians), I Nagle (UCC), I Porter (Queens), I Madigan (Blackrock), C Clery (Greystones).

Scotland: M Allen (Loughborough), T Bury (Boroughmuir), S Kinloch (Edinburgh Academicals), S McColl (Dunfermline), J Smart (Dunfermline), R Jackson (Glasgow Hawks) M Heeks (London Scottish), G Strain (Glasgow Hawks), A Duncan (Stewart’s Melville FP), L Niven (Edinburgh Academicals), J Brown (Bristol), N Patrick (Dunfermline), F McKenzie (Heriot’s), J Baird (Watsonians), L Calder (Newcastle Falcons, captain).