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Six months after demanding it open, Eddie Jones now wants the Principality roof closed
By Liam Heagney
Saturday’s weather forecast in Cardiff isn’t predicting any rain, but England boss Eddie Jones has asked for the Principality Stadium roof to be closed when they face Wales in the second of their World Cup warm-up fixtures.
Just six months ago, Jones caused an uproar by refusing to let the Welsh close the roof for the February Six Nations clash between the countries. However, with England due to play their opening two fixtures at next month’s World Cup under a closed roof, the Australian has now changed tack regarding his surroundings in Cardiff.
England start their World Cup bid at the Sapporo Dome against Tonga on September 22 and they will also be under a roof when they take on USA in Kobe on September 26.
Jones was reported on Twitter by the RFU saying: “We’re hopeful Wales close the roof, as our first two games in Japan are under closed roofs.”
He will now hope to get his way and have Wales agree that the warm-up, which will be played in front of a capacity crowd of more than 70,000, will take place under a roof for a summer match in contrast to what happened in winter when England and Ireland forced the Welsh to open it. That resulted in the Grand Slam clincher against the Irish taking place in a constant downpour.
Meanwhile, Leinster-bound Wales assistant Robin McBryde has spoken about the impact which Gareth Anscombe’s World Cup-ruining injury has had on the Welsh squad.
“It is a big loss,” he told WRU TV. “He [Anscombe] has been there consistently over the last however many games on that winning streak. He has worked well and led the ship well. Any player of that calibre is going to be a loss to the squad.”
Wales are due to name their team for Saturday’s match at 11am on Thursday, with England scheduled to follow suit two hours later at 1pm.
WATCH: Eddie Jones talks to the media on Monday after confirming his 31-man squad for the World Cup
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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