Scot U-turn after Wales hit the roof

Wales v Scotland 4.45pm BY ROB COLE

WALES have won the first round of their battle against Scotland – by getting Gregor Townsend’s side to do a U-turn on having the Principality Stadium roof closed.

On Thursday, Warren Gatland expressed his dismay at being told the Scots would not agree to the roof being on for their Six Nations opener today.

But yesterday the Scots said they were happy to have it closed.

Scotland captain Finn Russell said: “The weather changed during the week and that’s why we changed out mind.

“It might be a bit louder, but it will be the same for both teams.

“Roof open or shut doesn’t make much difference.”

But Wales lock Adam Beard (below) is under no illusion about the impact of having a shut roof.

“The feeling with the roof closed is something you can’t really explain,” he said.

“It’s that feeling of passion, pride from the crowd that you get – it’s massive.

“The buzz, noise, everything about it is unbelievable. It’s like having an extra man out there on the field and I know the players are definitely looking forward to it.

“We didn’t mind if was open or closed, although we’re always happy to have it closed.

“The crowd make a massive impact and the noise and atmosphere makes it 10 times better having a closed stadium.

“We’re just looking forward to the game and 100 percent we can surprise a few people.”

Townsend’s men are odds-on favourites to notch their first win in Cardiff since 2002 and end a run of 11 straight defeats in the Welsh capital.

They did win the Covid-hit 2020 Six Nations game played in Llanelli and produced a record 34-7 triumph at Murrayfield last season.

Gatland has already won three Grand Slams during his time with Wales, but has won only one Championship match since his return for a second stint in charge last year.

Russell added: “We can’t come here and expect to win just because they are a young and inexperienced side. It’s definitely an opportunity for us.

“We have a more experienced side but that doesn’t always count on the day. Wales will go out there with nothing to lose and that’s the danger in front of us.

“We have to believe in ourselves and be confident.”