It seems I am on a bit of a wind up at the moment. First there is my belief that Ferris should be banned (which I stand by), and now there is me pointing out that is seems the Scottish don’t know what they are doing.
What do I mean by that? They can’t seem to make a simple decision over whather they want the roof of the Millenium Stadium open or shut.
By the IRB laws both teams need to agree for it to be shut. Wales are keen, which puts it on Scotland to make a decision. We thought we had one when Andy Robinson came out with the biggest load of BS I have heard with regards roof choices. He said this
We will be demanding that it is left open. I believe that rugby is an outdoor sport and should remain that way”.
When asked whether or not it was a tactical decision, Robinson was bullish in his reply. “Everybody assumes that we want a wet, windy day, because people don’t rate our backs and our attacking play and frankly, I’m getting rather fed up. You saw against England that we are capable of creating some great chances and I know that this team can more than match the Welsh with the ball in hand. Our decision to keep the roof open is one of principle and tradition. Next thing you know, they’ll be asking for helmets and quarterbacks to be allowed.”
Brilliant isn’t it? It is some how a moral obligation for the roof to be open (why?) and they are doing this for tradition. Not for the fact that Wales are missing over half their pack and that is where Scotland’s strength lays. He also claims they will match Wales with ball in hand, but obviously with the roof open (not giving them a dry day to prove it). It would be a sensible decision, although odd comments. But that is not the end of it.
Scottish Captain Ross Ford has decided he actually wants it shut
“We’ve asked for the roof to be closed, so that guarantees us a nice dry ball to go out and play the way we want to,” said the Scotland hooker.
Ford added: “We believe we’ve got the ability there to put pressure on Wales with the way we want to play and we’d prefer it if the roof was closed.
“We have had victories in the worst weather conditions, but I think you would be hard pressed to find a rugby player who enjoys the wet and the cold.
“We’re going down there with the intention of closing the roof and playing.”
So the coach says one thing, the captain the other. Maybe they’re trying to confuse the Welsh? Maybe they want it half shut? Maybe they’ve decided to be like the French in the RWC and see how they do by ignoring the coach.
Gatland remains convinced the roof will be shut.
“I understand they want to close the roof, which is encouraging for fans and everyone alike,” he said.
Let’s hope that’s the end of it. It shouldn’t be hard. It could rain or snow, shut the roof to give good conditions and happy fans. Tradition is simply changing the subject – rugby is what matters, and fans pay good money to see it played…let’s give them the best product possible.
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