Wales quest for a Six Nations Grand Slam has one final hurdle with Ireland travelling to the Principality Stadium this Saturday. For that game, the roof will remain open at Ireland's request.
Joe Schmidt had explained that Wales defied protocol and asked Six Nations bosses to close the roof for the game. Under tournament rules, both teams must agree to a closed roof.
With heavy rain forecast, Warren Gatland had suggested he was in favour closing the roof. However, when asked on Thursday, Schmidt cited 2016 when Ireland agreed to a closed roof and the pitch was wet anyway.
We arrived there and a lot was said about making it good for spectators and the sprinklers were on for 30 minutes and it was very damp.
“Which closed is it going to be? Closed and wet, or closed and dry? If it's closed and wet we might as well leave the roof open.
Gatland did claim that if it does pour rain, it could ruin the game as a " spectacle."
It is an outcome that has not been well received by Welsh fans.
I know... let’s buy a convertible stadium but then leave the decision as to whether we open the roof or not up to the opposition. Makes sense. Wales’ stadium, Wales rules! Nonsense.
— Rhydian Cole (@iamrhyd) March 14, 2019
I know rugby is an outdoor sport, but if this is the forecast and you’ve got a roof, surely it’s in the best interests of the game to close it? Over to you Six Nations. pic.twitter.com/UAltSfxtUA
— Simon Thomas (@simonrug) March 14, 2019
