Oh, good! The roof again :(

It's on the news again, as if France would keep it closed.

I DON'T CARE

There are times I wish the people who go round stealing metal statues/cables/etc for the scrap would turn up one night and steal the roof.

LondonTiger wrote:There are times I wish the people who go round stealing metal statues/cables/etc for the scrap would turn up one night and steal the roof.

Good thinking.

Tiger, yes please.
Then maybe the grass will finally grow properly and get some roots, and replace the carpet_roll..

Well just seen Gatland saying on the bbc web site that the WRU should have a meeting with the IRB about who decide if the Roof is open or closed.

Gatland was saying that if the stadium belongs to Wales, thenWales should decide if the roof remains open or closed.

The point i would like to make is that Rugby is a out door sport, So if Gatland wants to close the roof, then maybe he should take up coachiong another sport.

Well these are by no means stories that you have to pay attention to if you're not interested. It's not as if somebody has plastered the story in front of your eyes. It's like Justin Beiber, if you don't like it why not ignore it rather than go to lengths to complain?

But for future consideration maybe, just maybe, a couple of people might be interested in whether the game'll be open to the elements or to conditions better suited for a more exciting game

Knowsit17 wrote:Well these are by no means stories that you have to pay attention to if you're not interested. It's not as if somebody has plastered the story in front of your eyes. It's like Justin Beiber, if you don't like it why not ignore it rather than go to lengths to complain?

But for future consideration maybe, just maybe, a couple of people might be interested in whether the game'll be open to the elements or to conditions better suited for a more exciting game

It was forced in front of my eyes - I was watching the news and it came on, reported as a "controversy". I couldn't reach the remote quick enough.

It's not a controversy is it, It should just be reported as "roof open".

Jesus do you people really not know Gatland? I mean not at all?

He is simply taking the pressure off the players and giving the press something to talk about.

Gatland will nearly always say something controvesal to get the press talking, to take the spot light off his players in the days before a big game.

I bet he doesn't really give 2 hoots about the bloody roof.

Alyn

Weather forecast is good, clear but windy, wind doesn't effect the MS so the roof being open or closed is a nothing point, your right it's the same old trick of getting the media to focus on what he wants instead of questioning Warbs fitness, talking about a French backlash or worse still talking about the GS!

thebluesmancometh wrote:Alyn

Weather forecast is good, clear but windy, wind doesn't effect the MS so the roof being open or closed is a nothing point, your right it's the same old trick of getting the media to focus on what he wants instead of questioning Warbs fitness, talking about a French backlash or worse still talking about the GS!

Get off, gats is not that clever.

So the press conference that lasted an hour only talked about the roof?

C'mon guys

Alyn
We call him Gatling Gob for a reason...
You're right, GG says " heads down boys, and I'll lay down the covering fire, you just focus on your rugby". Off he goes and distracts the press away from his boys.
Actually I feel he has been more toned down of late. Polishing his diplomacy skills to lead the Lions ? Could be, no point in antagonising his potential future BI squad. (Ok the French are not Lions, but you know what I mean).

If the roof story is a tactic to distract the press it is a painfully boring one.

They could have stuck Henson on a 50ft poster above the main gates - just to make it mildly amusing.

What powers the roof anyway? Is it hydro-electric? Off the Taff? Or is there a diesel engine tucked away somewhere? That thing is massive. Would never pass building regs nowadays.

Start

Really? you that niaive? He rattles out the same old garbage as every coach then drops in the roof from nowhere. It makes absolutely no difference!

By dropping it in, he gives an inexperienced int coach an extra thing to consider, he gives a French team under pressure to perform a show of his left hand while hiding whats in his right hand behind his back!

thebluesmancometh wrote:Start

Really? you that niaive? He rattles out the same old garbage as every coach then drops in the roof from nowhere. It makes absolutely no difference!

By dropping it in, he gives an inexperienced int coach an extra thing to consider, he gives a French team under pressure to perform a show of his left hand while hiding whats in his right hand behind his back!

Me? Naive? No - its gatland that's got you in the palm of his hand.

Bored of the same old gumf, yes.

You say it makes no difference then in the next sentence you say it gives the opposition something to think about.

Can anyone tell me a game where the roof made a difference?

It's the pitch that's the controversy. It doesn't suit Wales. 1/2p was sloppy slidey all over the place where as in the previous matches he was fine.

It matters not, France are going to get their "bunny" whatever happens with the roof.

I have no problem with them talking about the roof. Just with them closing it for a rugby match.

Real men play outdoors, Justin Bieber plays indoors

"they say it's got a sliding roof, that they can move away, they slide it back when Wales attack, so God can watch us play"

Shamelessly stolen off of someone on twitter, and perhaps a bit naff, but I like it

Whatever happens I have a feeling the roof will be coming off

There wont be that many French fans there Ruby.

I know

Hilarious quote from Gatland:

"I hope that it is not closed on Friday night and then it breaks down and we can't open it."

How far was his tongue shoved in his cheek with that one?

43.75% home win ratio against France since 1970, overall points difference -38.

Only won 1 out of the last 7 at home to France?

Yeah, it's in the bag.

PJHolybloke wrote:43.75% home win ratio against France since 1970, overall points difference -38.

Only won 1 out of the last 7 at home to France?

Yeah, it's in the bag.

2in 25 at Twickenham - Don't you just love the past

Not much to cheer about there either.

I think it's 3 now - No not much to cheer about this end, Triple Crown and a couple of Grand Slams over the past few years or so. Lifes a bitch if I'm honest

Yep 3 since 1988, doesn't take much to put a smile on your face does it?

"The type of poster who's stuck in some sort of time warp and trash-talks the current game" PJHolybloke

You concentrate on your 1 out of 8 record against the Irish - and we'll show you how to win a Slam, fair play you're boys almost did it last year but it was a tough ask even with the DVD ready

PS - Keep 'em coming

Course it's in the bag. This is all the usual blowing smoke up their own arshes in an effort to fool everyone else that they're not feeling mighty confident.

Didn't they make the semi-finals of the World Cup, for God's sake. Only to be undone by a cunning Irish Frenchman, or French Irishman, if you prefer. (Doesn't really matter I suppose since they were both feeling pretty blue and looking really green afterwards.)

Never mind that. They're at home. They have the roof open as they wanted it. They've been sleeping in their cryobaric chambers all week and practising their moves in front of the mirror. Warburton's had smile for the camera training, and best etiquette in How to Lift a Cup Properly without Hiding your Face.

If Wales can't put at least 15 points on this French team, after the Irish and English teams doing them a favour by wearing them out over the last couple, whilst the Welsh put their feet up, Gatland should take to doing the laundry.....

The green monster continues to eat them alive - don't you just love it - keep em coming please

Wow, welcome back miteyironpaw, I almost missed you...

majesticimperialman wrote:
Gatland was saying that if the stadium belongs to Wales, thenWales should decide if the roof remains open or closed.

I thought the roof and the stadium belonged to the LOTTO?

Let the numbers decide.

If 38 comes out, the roof stays shut...
If its lucky number 3 (52 times out this year and twice seen last month wearing a balaclava as it robbed the postoffice in Mildenhall) then it's open.

Fly - we need the roof open so the fella outside can chuck some balls in when we have a line out

Once Charteris comes on they will have to open the roof!

When the roof is closed it creates such an intense atmosphere that it makes the hairs on your neck stand up. The flames, the roar when the teams enter, the anthems, incredible. I'll always remember watching the Wales-England game from last year, that was an unbelievable atmosphere (I think the roof was closed for that one). I don't mind too much if its open, don't think it changes that much but it would be nice to be in control of our own stadium, the fact that both teams have to agree is a bit strange.

I personnally think it would be a nice touch to allow visiting teams to chose? It would be a massive head cluck, and a nice touch to what is a very welcoming city to all int rugby fans!

It's called HOME ADVANTAGE for a reason. We are at home, we should decide if the roof stays open or closed

What next, a requirement that ensures 37,250 spectators are wearing blue

thebluesmancometh wrote:I personnally think it would be a nice touch to allow visiting teams to chose? It would be a massive head cluck, and a nice touch to what is a very welcoming city to all int rugby fans!

By default I think we do as we always seem to want it closed but the visitors have to agree so they havew the choice .I seem to remember one game pre Gatland where Wales wanted it open against one of the SH but that's about it

Just a diversionary topic unless they are playing in January and a blizzard is on its way.

majesticimperialman wrote:Well just seen Gatland saying on the bbc web site that the WRU should have a meeting with the IRB about who decide if the Roof is open or closed.

Gatland was saying that if the stadium belongs to Wales, thenWales should decide if the roof remains open or closed.

The point i would like to make is that Rugby is a out door sport, So if Gatland wants to close the roof, then maybe he should take up coachiong another sport.

Really?

SecretFly wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:
Gatland was saying that if the stadium belongs to Wales, thenWales should decide if the roof remains open or closed.

I thought the roof and the stadium belonged to the LOTTO?

Let the numbers decide.

If 38 comes out, the roof stays shut...
If its lucky number 3 (52 times out this year and twice seen last month wearing a balaclava as it robbed the postoffice in Mildenhall) then it's open.

The LOTTO (The Millenium Fund) funded less than half the cost to build the stadium. The rest came from the WRU. The stadium belongs to the public and the rugby spectators .

Do you think the reason Scotland wanted the roof closed was because Robinson was worried half his players might get sunburnt?

The laugh is that it's always a bone of contention....................... mostly amongst the Welsh themselves!

The Away team is asked politely - "opened or closed, sir". They say "What?"

- "The roof, sir - do you want it open or closed?"

The Away team suddenly realise it's Wales they are playing: "Oh yeah, sorry. Em, I think we'll try Open this time".

Then it's WAR. Why did they say they wanted it Open?! What are they playing at?! Just trying to annoy us!!!! It's our stadium! The cheek of them. We own it, we'll decide!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then don't ask them. Just have it closed and hope they don't notice



The other enjoyable thing is when Welsh people say "we should decide whether it's open or closed". As if there was ever going to be a choice.

The first words from the mouth of every Welsh child is "Close the Roof!"

Morgannwg wrote:
The LOTTO (The Millenium Fund) funded less than half the cost to build the stadium.

Let me guess..................hmmmm, the roof bit?

Taffineastbourne wrote:Once Charteris comes on they will have to open the roof!

Bit of a B.O. problem? Perhaps a can of Right Guard strategically left in the changing room might do the trick?

SecretFly wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:
The LOTTO (The Millenium Fund) funded less than half the cost to build the stadium.

Let me guess..................hmmmm, the roof bit?

Not sure. It certainly wasn't for manpower though with all the cheap labour from Ireland still pouring in like it has been for over 200 years.

LondonTiger wrote:There are times I wish the people who go round stealing metal statues/cables/etc for the scrap would turn up one night and steal the roof.

Those shoites knicked the undergroud cable for our club floodlights probably got about £50 for it but meant no evening training or games for about three months and £10k to put it right funded partially by the LOTTO ! Throw the barstewrds from the roof I say.

rugbydreamer wrote:"they say it's got a sliding roof, that they can move away, they slide it back when Wales attack, so God can watch us play"

Shamelessly stolen off of someone on twitter, and perhaps a bit naff, but I like it

Max Boyce '99, Hymn And Arias (not sure if it was Wembely V England, or Start of RWC '99)

Morgannwg wrote:

SecretFly wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:
The LOTTO (The Millenium Fund) funded less than half the cost to build the stadium.

Let me guess..................hmmmm, the roof bit?

Not sure. It certainly wasn't for manpower though with all the cheap labour from Ireland still pouring in like it has been for over 200 years.

Oh I get you...even a roof isn't a funny topic.

rugbydreamer wrote:"they say it's got a sliding roof, that they can move away, they slide it back when Wales attack, so God can watch us play"

Shamelessly stolen off of someone on twitter, and perhaps a bit naff, but I like it

That's a line from a revised version of "Hymns & Arias" by Max Boyce.