Russell relaxed as Scots agree to shut roof
THE rhythmic beat of the dance music which accompanied the captain’s run training session yesterday and Finn Russell’s typically relaxed demeanour suggested there was no panic in Gregor Townsend’s Scotland camp ahead of their crunch Six Nations opener with Wales. But the visitors’ late change of heart to close the Principality Stadium roof for today’s game — after they had initially requested it be left open — did point to a degree of confusion. Scotland claimed their roof reversal came about after a change in the predicted weather. But the forecast for today has been wet all week. The change, then, has to be considered bizarre. Russell, Scotland’s captain and maverick fly-half, refuted that suggestion, but it is clear his team have shown a semblance of muddled thinking. ‘For me, it doesn’t change too much,’ said Russell. ‘I played for Racing 92 and they have an indoor stadium. It makes for a free-flowing, exciting game. The atmosphere in this stadium is one of the best in the world.’ Scotland really should and must win this game.
History is against them. They haven’t won in Cardiff since 2002. The Wales side that will take to the field are one of the weakest the country have fielded in the Six Nations in the last decade. They have hope in that Scotland never seem to cope well with the tag of favourites, and perhaps Warren Gatland’s side can prey on the doubt they have shown over the roof. Wales’ preference is to play with the roof closed. Gatland had said Townsend’s initial decision to keep it open was ‘strange’ and ‘disappointing’. Eight of Gatland’s 23-man squad have never played in the Six
Nations. Full-back Cameron Winnett and replacement forward Alex Mann will make their debuts. Scotland have lost backs Darcy Graham and Blair Kinghorn to injury but they have the more experienced and settled side. The absence of George North is also a big blow for Wales. Gatland has 195 caps between his eight forwards for the start of this Six Nations. The pack he fielded at the end of the 2023 Championship had more than 600.
KICK-OFF: 4.45pm, Principality Stadium. TV: LIVE on RTÉ2 and BBC One from 4pm. Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand).