First battle of the weekend.

The roof of the Principality Stadium will be OPEN this weekend despite Wales’ best efforts to get it closed for their huge Six Nations clash with Ireland on Saturday.

Six Nations regulations state that the away side gets the discretion and has to inform Wales of their decision more than 24 hours before kick-off, with Ireland choosing for it to be open after some “trickery” by the Welsh last time round. Despite this Wales went over their heads and direct to the Six Nations to ask for it to be closed.

“There’s been a request go in [by Wales] to the Six Nations that it be closed”  Schmidt said yesterday

“For us I think the last time it was closed we arrived there and there was a lot said about making it good for spectators – and the sprinklers were on for 30 minutes and the ground was very, very damp before the game started.

“So that probably enters into our minds about which closed it it gonna be? Is it gonna be closed and wet? Or is it gonna be closed and dry? If it’s closed and wet we might as well have the window open and let the rain come in.”

But it appears the first battle of the weekend has been won by Ireland with Wales confirming the roof will be open.

 “We know, as players, that it’s going to be open.” Alun Wyn Jones said today after their captain’s run.”