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Wales and Scotland agree to close roof for Six Nations opener

A general view during the minute's silence before the Autumn International match at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff.
Image: The Principality Stadium roof will be closed for Saturday's game

Wales and Scotland are set to open the Six Nations on Saturday under a closed roof at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

The decision on whether to keep the retractable roof at the Principality open or closed rests with the away team.

Wales' policy is to always prefer to close the roof, meaning the players can compete in dry conditions regardless of the weather.

Scotland expressed a preference to the Welsh Rugby Union on Tuesday for an open roof, but they also wanted an option of being able to reconsider their stance later in the week in the event of forecast bad weather.

Hamish Watson tackles Wales lock Luke Charteris
Image: Wales and Scotland clash in Cardiff in the Six Nations curtain-raiser on Saturday

Wales, though, were left frustrated by the lack of a clear decision, and Scotland have now agreed to Wales' request for a closed roof, with rain set to hit Cardiff on Saturday.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said: "I'll be honest with you, we would like dry conditions,

"Let's close the roof and let's have a really good game."

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Warren Gatland explained why he disagrees with the Six Nations rule that Wales' opponents have to agree to a closed roof, saying: "I think we try to be consistent about the roof. My opinion of the roof is it's our stadium, and we should decide whether it is open or closed.

Warren Gatland, head coach of of Wales
Image: Warren Gatland believes Wales, rather than their opponents, should have the say on whether the roof is open or closed

"We have always been consistent about saying we feel it should be closed. It's a great atmosphere when it is like that, but at the moment, it is pretty much decided by the away team, and I don't think that's the way it should be.

"It is our stadium, and we should decide what happens to it. My views haven't changed on that. Our position hasn't changed."

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