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Robinson denies roof row is sign of closed mind

Article Published: Thursday 11 February 2010

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Scotland coach Andy Robinson has refused to apologise for insisting the Millennium Stadium's retractable roof be left open for his team's Six Nations match against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

Wales counterpart Warren Gatland questioned the former England boss's "sanity" in demanding the roof be left open regardless of weather conditions.

Rules state the roof can only be closed with the agreement of both teams and Robinson is keen not to hand Wales an advantage in either guaranteeing dry conditions or creating a 'wall of sound' from their fans when the cheers of supporters echo off the stadium's 'ceiling'.

New Zealander Gatland said Robinson had a duty to ensure the game produced the best possible spectacle.

But the contrary opinion is that coping with the elements has always been a part of rugby union and ought to remain a challenge to modern-day players.

Gatland made it clear he believed Robinson wanted the roof closed to aid Scotland's kicking game, with most observers believing Wales's backs will have the edge in dry conditions that aid running rugby.

Robinson though insisted he just wanted a fair contest.

"I think it's an advantage to Wales playing with the roof closed because they're used to doing it in front of their home support," he said on Wednesday.

"We're used to not playing under those conditions," the former England flanker added.

"We want the roof open. All the other games are played without a roof. This is the only place where you can have a roof. We are abiding by the rules, we've made the request, let's deal with it." Meanwhile Scotland captain Chris Cusiter insisted the recall of Glasgow's Australia-born fly-half Dan Parks, well known for his territorial kicking game, did not mean his side had abandoned all hope of running the ball.

"If you look at the style of game that Scotland want to play then it wouldn't make sense if we want wet conditions," the scrum-half said.

"Personally, I'm not bothered if the roof is open or closed." Gatland, however, said: "They've asked for the roof to be open, so you don't have to be a rocket scientist to know what we are expecting.

"We are expecting the ball to be kicked a lot or put up in the air. England got a bit of success against us last weekend - (Jonny) Wilkinson only passed the ball five times.

"England tried to run it against us early on but got nothing out of it, and then they resorted to a bit of pick and go and box-kicking." The former Ireland and Wasps coach added: "We need some sanity, so at least we can see some positive rugby.

"Why play in the rain and wet if you don't have to?" Both teams will have plenty to play for on Saturday after they each made losing starts to this season's Six Nations last weekend.

Wales were beaten 30-17 away to England at Twickenham while Scotland lost 18-9 to France in front of their own supporters at Murrayfield.

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