Scotland reverse their decision and ask for the Principality Stadium’s roof to be closed ahead of Six Nations clash with Wales… but Finn Russell says it ‘doesn’t change much’ as his side brace for ‘massive challenge’
The rhythmic beat of the dance music that accompanied the Scotland captain’s training session on Friday and Finn Russell’s typically relaxed demeanor suggested there was no panic in Gregor Townsend’s camp ahead of their thrilling Six Nations opener with Wales.
But the visitors’ late change of heart to close the Principality Stadium roof for Saturday’s match – after initially asking for it to be left open – did indicate some Scottish confusion.
Scotland claimed their roof reversal came about after a change in the forecast weather. But the truth is that the forecast for Saturday has been wet all week.
The change must then be regarded as somewhat bizarre.
Russell, the Scotland captain and maverick fly-half, unsurprisingly refuted that suggestion on the eve of kick-off, but it’s clear that his team’s approach has left them with an semblance of, if not doubt, then at least some muddled thinking shown.
Scottish maverick fly-half Finn Russell says he’s used to playing under a closed roof during his Racing 92 days
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend played half the last time Scotland beat Wales in Cardiff in 2002
The Scottish team went through a captaincy run on Friday ahead of their clash with Wales
“For me personally, it doesn’t change that much,” Russell said. ‘I played for Racing 92 for five years and they have an indoor stadium. It makes for a free-flowing, exciting game.
‘I think the atmosphere in this stadium is one of the best in the world. When the boys from Wales put on that red shirt, they play differently to their clubs.
“It’s a huge challenge for us to come here and win.”
Asked if they had given Wales a psychological advantage with their roof change, Russell said: ‘No, I wouldn’t say that. The weather changed during the week, so the roof is now closed.
Yes, it might be a little louder, but it will be the same for both teams. If there is a loud crowd against us, we should embrace it. It’s up to Gregor and the coaches.
‘For us it’s not really a discussion. It will still be greasy and quite damp, so conditions will be much the same whether the roof is open or closed. Maybe the rain is better!’
Wet or dry, roof open or closed, it doesn’t really matter. Because the reality is that circumstances or atmosphere are put aside, Scotland really must and must win this match.
History is against them. They have not won in Cardiff since 2002, when their head coach Townsend was fly-half. But all current signs point to a Scottish victory.
The Principality Stadium has been left with its roof closed after Scotland changed its decision at the end of this week
Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit, who now has decent rugby for the NFL, celebrates in front of a packed Welsh crowd
The Wales side that takes the field on Saturday is one of the weakest sides the country has played in the Six Nations in the past decade.
That may seem cruel to the participants. But it’s true.
Wales are hopeful that Scotland is a nation that has never seemed to cope well with the label of cronyism and perhaps Warren Gatland’s side could fall prey to any doubts that have shown their opposition through the roof. But anything short of a Scottish victory will be seen as a huge shock.
Wales prefers to play with the roof closed. Their boss Gatland had said Townsend’s initial decision to keep it open was ‘strange’ and ‘disappointing’.
Wales lock Adam Beard said the change would be ‘massive’ for his team.
“The buzz, the noise and everything that comes with it is incredible. That feeling is something you can’t really explain,” he said of a closed Principality Stadium.
‘It’s that feeling of passion and pride you get from the audience. It’s like having an extra man on the field. The crowd makes a huge impact and the noise and atmosphere are ten times better in a closed stadium.’ Can Scotland handle the heat and atmosphere of a Welsh cauldron?
Time will tell. They haven’t been able to do that for a long time.
Russell, who has been in excellent form for Bath this season, said: “This Six Nations there have been a few changes across all the teams. We don’t know what this Wales team will bring.
‘It makes it a different kind of challenge. The hope is of course for a victory. It’s not an easy place to get here, but it’s an exciting challenge for us. We all have to believe in ourselves.
The Principality Stadium seats 74,500 people and is even louder when the roof is closed
‘It’s not arrogance. We cannot take this Welsh team lightly. We have to have confidence in ourselves, but we have to start well to take out the crowd. I’ve played here a few times.
‘There are quite a few guys who haven’t been to a full house. Everyone knows that sports can change very quickly when the public becomes interested in it. With the roof closed it (the crowd) is something we have to mention.”
Despite the recent trials and tribulations of Welsh rugby, there will be a packed house of almost 75,000 in attendance.
Eight of Gatland’s 23-man squad have never played in the Six Nations before. Fullback Cameron Winnett and stand-in forward Alex Mann will make their full debuts.
Winnett’s Test bow will be only his 16th professional rugby match.
When asked whether the new Wales can pull off a shock despite losing so many star players to retirement, injury and unavailability, Beard’s answer was unequivocal.
He said, ‘100 percent. Certainly. Don’t write us off, new faces or not. When you put on that Welsh jersey you have a job and our job is to get a win over Scotland.”
Scotland have lost Darcy Graham and Blair Kinghorn to injury, but they have the more experienced and more settled squad. The absence of George North is also a big blow for Wales.
Gatland has 195 caps between his eight strikers before the start of this Six Nations. In contrast, the peloton he fielded at the end of the 2023 championship numbered more than 600.
That shows the enormous loss of experience Gatland has faced, both before and after last year’s World Cup quarter-final in France.
‘Because the Welsh side is a little different to previous years, people think Scotland are favourites, but I don’t see it that way. We haven’t won here in 22 years,” Russell said.
‘It will be an exciting match. It’s a very dangerous team for us. It’s definitely an opportunity. Last year we played Wales and beat them well, but this year it’s different again.
‘We can’t come here and expect to win just because Wales have some younger players. I know Italy and other teams won here, but I don’t think that makes it easier.
‘As much as people say we owe them (Wales), it’s not that simple. We can’t just assume that.’