Warren Gatland sets England roof 'challenge' for Six Nations

by TightHEAD Fri 23 Jan 2015, 10:27 am

First topic message reminder :

Does it really make a difference?

Roof open - if it rains the ball becomes slippery.
Roof closed - the ball becomes greasy than a greasy spoon cafe fry up.

Why does he continue to play these mind games it's boring and does anyone from the opposing team take him seriously anymore?
Its Wales vs England in Cardiff, its going to be tight either way.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30924040

by Shifty Tue 27 Jan 2015, 10:34 pm

All Gatland is doing is deflecting the pressure off his players and onto himself. He knows damn well the Welsh public expect to win this game and is simply making sure the Welsh players don't buckle under the expectation, let him talk he knows what he's doing.

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 28 Jan 2015, 5:44 am

funnyExiledScot wrote:Personally I see rugby as an outdoor game and whether the roof is open/closed should depend more on the weather.

Agreed. I don't like it with the roof shut. It makes the stupid fireworks and stun-volume music seem all the more incongruous. I hate all that. Anthems, whistle, play some rugby.

funnyExiledScot wrote:The whole kicking thing is a bit of a red herring as well, as both current sides keep the ball in play and go through the hands quite a bit. It's not like Gatland's comments are going to make England do something different. With George Ford at 10 England can vary their style of play a bit more.

I'm not so sure about that. If he can get England running it when it isn't on, that would have far more bearing on the result than whether or not the roof is shut. That could be quite a clever 'grenade' to have thrown.

by BigTrevsbigmac Wed 28 Jan 2015, 6:31 am

I guess deciding whether to run or not depends not just on the play in front of you but on your own ability to make those runs.
In that respect both Ford and Cipriani have a more natural running game and will hopefully exploit any opportunities if they come their way.

On Gats 'kicking' comments - it's the accuracy of the in field kicks that count. Last year Wales came unstuck with this tactic against England & Ireland in part because of wayward kicking back.

by gregortree Wed 28 Jan 2015, 7:09 am

Yeah, I'm sure Bomber runs off back to the tactics white board every time Gatland's latest brain fart gets reported in the tabloids.

by BigTrevsbigmac Wed 28 Jan 2015, 7:17 am

Oh and in 2010 Australia 'set Wales the roof challenge' by wanting it closed & what happened?
Gats refused because the Welsh had a load of injuries in their backs.

picard

by Cumbrian Wed 28 Jan 2015, 7:18 am

It seemed like an odd comment from Gatland because England generally DO agree to have to roof closed anyway don't they? Certainly Lancater has in the past and I took it as read that they would this time too. I can only really remember once when they didn't (2009 under Martin Johnson I think).

by TJ Wed 28 Jan 2015, 7:47 am

EnglishReign wrote:This 'challenge' is set every other year and loses a bit more of its sting every time. Just to keep it bubbling over, I'd probably respond with, 'Let Wales decide - they need all the help they can get' and watch Gatland's rising Yorkshire pudding face hit the floor.

That would be the ideal riposte - I like it

by LordDowlais Wed 28 Jan 2015, 9:14 am

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:On Gats 'kicking' comments - it's the accuracy of the in field kicks that count. Last year Wales came unstuck with this tactic against England & Ireland in part because of wayward kicking back.

I guess you could put that down to a very off form and out of confidence Preistland doing the kicking, with Biggar doing it, it will be a lot more affective.

by OMc Sat 31 Jan 2015, 6:49 pm

Any idea when this decision will be made?

by Guest Sat 31 Jan 2015, 7:08 pm

[quote="Luckless Pedestrian"]

Agreed. I don't like it with the roof shut. It makes the stupid fireworks and stun-volume music seem all the more incongruous. I hate all that. Anthems, whistle, play some rugby.

O how I agree, and just a slice of orange at half-time?

by OMc Sat 31 Jan 2015, 7:11 pm

By the way the BBC weather forecast for Cardiff is mostly cloudy but dry all week. Leaving the roof open won't have much effect weather-wise.

by Guest Sat 31 Jan 2015, 7:22 pm

Silly question, but where are the lights positioned on the MS? As it's a night game do they need the roof shut to use the lights?!?!?!

by OMc Sat 31 Jan 2015, 7:23 pm

Griff wrote:Silly question, but where are the lights positioned on the MS? As it's a night game do they need the room shut to use the lights?!?!?!

I doubt that would be the case given the discussion about the roof and the Six Nations rules.

by Guest Sat 31 Jan 2015, 7:30 pm

OMc wrote:
Griff wrote:Silly question, but where are the lights positioned on the MS? As it's a night game do they need the room shut to use the lights?!?!?!

I doubt that would be the case given the discussion about the roof and the Six Nations rules.

Do you mean the rule that if the the opposition want the roof open then it opens? Yeah, that makes sense I suppose. Although the late kick offs (I.e. Friday) are relatively new to the 6N.

by OMc Sat 31 Jan 2015, 7:34 pm

Griff wrote:Do you mean the rule that if the the opposition want the roof open then it opens? Yeah, that makes sense I suppose. Although the late kick offs (I.e. Friday) are relatively new to the 6N.

They're not that new. I don't remember what happened in '11 when that was a Friday night kickoff, but surely someone in the media would have pointed out that the floodlights would only be able to be used with the roof shut when Gatland and Farrell started sparring about this.

If I were to have a guess I'd say the lights are on the overhanging fixed roof, which like Wembley's is still pretty sizeable.

by doctor_grey Sat 31 Jan 2015, 8:12 pm

Who gives a toss what Gatland says? Rugby is an outdoor game, so should be played with the roof open.

by OMc Sat 31 Jan 2015, 8:15 pm

doctor_grey wrote:Who gives a toss what Gatland says? Rugby is an outdoor game, so should be played with the roof open.

Agreed. Unless there's a snowstorm or a blizzard then open it up and play al fresco. To misquote Nigel Owens, "This is not basketball!"

by Guest Sat 31 Jan 2015, 8:28 pm

OMc wrote:
Griff wrote:Do you mean the rule that if the the opposition want the roof open then it opens? Yeah, that makes sense I suppose. Although the late kick offs (I.e. Friday) are relatively new to the 6N.

They're not that new. I don't remember what happened in '11 when that was a Friday night kickoff, but surely someone in the media would have pointed out that the floodlights would only be able to be used with the roof shut when Gatland and Farrell started sparring about this.

If I were to have a guess I'd say the lights are on the overhanging fixed roof, which like Wembley's is still pretty sizeable.

Well the tournament has been going for over 100 years, and I think Friday night games for 5 or so. So relatively new Wink

But seriously, I'd prefer the roof to be open too. Always have. Unless there's a storm or snow which might ruin the spectacle. But why do opposition teams agree to it being shut? Only they can decide on it being shut. I know Gats tries to back teams into a corner with the mind games, but it would be refreshing to see people not rise to it and just say 'no thanks' and keep it open. If people (like us) dislike the roof being shut then it's the opposition to blame, not Gats.

by Gwlad Sat 31 Jan 2015, 8:31 pm

If the forecast is right and it will be dry, and obviously it will be dark, the only effect the roof being shut has is the noise. But there is no doubt the noise adds to the spectacle and must be intimidating to the England fans and team…i do hope the noise doesn't injure any more of our cousins from across the Severn.

by Cardiff Dave Sat 31 Jan 2015, 9:09 pm

Gwlad wrote:If the forecast is right and it will be dry, and obviously it will be dark, the only effect the roof being shut has is the noise. But there is no doubt the noise adds to the spectacle and must be intimidating to the England fans and team…i do hope the noise doesn't injure any more of our cousins from across the Severn.

No doubt they're used to noise though, playing in the English Prem.

by majesticimperialman Sat 31 Jan 2015, 10:08 pm

What effect do these mind games by Gatland have on his own players?

When he opens his mouth do they play any better than when he does not open his mouth?

What effect ( if any) do these mind games have on the out come of the game?

by Guest Sat 31 Jan 2015, 10:31 pm

majesticimperialman wrote:What effect do these mind games by Gatland have on his own players?

When he opens his mouth do they play any better than when he does not open his mouth?

What effect ( if any) do these mind games have on the out come of the game?

I imagine that what's important to his players, and what really affects them and the outcome of games, is what Gatland says in training camp in private behind closed doors. A couple of grand slams and several championships suggest a fair amount of success in doing that.

His public 'mind games', as you call them, clearly excite the media and some fans, but don't strike me as significant one way or the other. It's entertaining, though, which may be Gatland's aim. Perhaps he's a frustrated thespian as well as a top class rugby coach!

by Gwlad Sun 01 Feb 2015, 2:24 am

majesticimperialman wrote:What effect do these mind games by Gatland have on his own players?

When he opens his mouth do they play any better than when he does not open his mouth?

What effect ( if any) do these mind games have on the out come of the game?

i honestly think the probably don't give a rat's chuff what he says and probably ignore it, which is what Stweie should do but of course his sublet sledging solicits a response and the trick is to make sure it is a response which does not suggest they give a rat's chuff either

by BigTrevsbigmac Sun 01 Feb 2015, 8:13 am

Keep the roof open all those Brains burps & farts have got to go somewhere Ale

by OMc Sun 01 Feb 2015, 2:22 pm

http://www.espn.co.uk/six-nations-2015/rugby/story/254601.html

England will train with loudspeakers pumped up at their Pennyhill Park base this week as they prepare to face the wall of noise inside the Millennium Stadium against Wales next Friday.
The move is designed to help the players improve their communication when they can't hear each other as well as usual when the Cardiff roof is closed.

Does this suggest that closed is the decision?

by The Saint Sun 01 Feb 2015, 7:43 pm

Why don't they just train in one of Cardiff's high end nightclubs?

by nathan Sun 01 Feb 2015, 7:54 pm

The Saint wrote:Why don't they just train in one of Cardiff's high end nightclubs?

Will there be any midgets there?

by Cardiff Dave Sun 01 Feb 2015, 8:02 pm

majesticimperialman wrote:What effect do these mind games by Gatland have on his own players?

When he opens his mouth do they play any better than when he does not open his mouth?

What effect ( if any) do these mind games have on the out come of the game?

None, no and none.

by Gwlad Sun 01 Feb 2015, 8:35 pm

OMc wrote:http://www.espn.co.uk/six-nations-2015/rugby/story/254601.html

England will train with loudspeakers pumped up at their Pennyhill Park base this week as they prepare to face the wall of noise inside the Millennium Stadium against Wales next Friday.
The move is designed to help the players improve their communication when they can't hear each other as well as usual when the Cardiff roof is closed.

Does this suggest that closed is the decision?

This is by far stewie's greatest decision…the boys can spin out on pills and hip hop and Dylan can start a fight on the 22 before Tins launches himself out of the stands to pull Sonja Mclauchlan and Cips makes cocktails for Haskell who is making a fitness video on the bench.

music

Because i'm happy….clap along if you feel like a room without a roof! music

(well assuming the roof isn't closed anyway)

by nathan Sun 01 Feb 2015, 8:49 pm

Gwlad wrote:
OMc wrote:http://www.espn.co.uk/six-nations-2015/rugby/story/254601.html

England will train with loudspeakers pumped up at their Pennyhill Park base this week as they prepare to face the wall of noise inside the Millennium Stadium against Wales next Friday.
The move is designed to help the players improve their communication when they can't hear each other as well as usual when the Cardiff roof is closed.

Does this suggest that closed is the decision?

This is by far stewie's greatest decision…the boys can spin out on pills and hip hop and Dylan can start a fight on the 22 before Tins launches himself out of the stands to pull Sonja Mclauchlan and Cips makes cocktails for Haskell who is making a fitness video on the bench.

Because i'm happy….clap along if you feel like a room without a roof!

(well assuming the roof isn't closed anyway)

You been drinking?

by Guest Sun 01 Feb 2015, 9:47 pm

OMc wrote:http://www.espn.co.uk/six-nations-2015/rugby/story/254601.html

England will train with loudspeakers pumped up at their Pennyhill Park base this week as they prepare to face the wall of noise inside the Millennium Stadium against Wales next Friday.
The move is designed to help the players improve their communication when they can't hear each other as well as usual when the Cardiff roof is closed.

Does this suggest that closed is the decision?

Or England could just say 'no thanks' and keep the roof open, thus negating the need to train with music!

by OMc Wed 04 Feb 2015, 7:12 pm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/31138532

Head coach Stuart Lancaster has arranged for music to be played over loudspeakers at England's Pennyhill Park base to prepare his squad for the noise at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
"It is to try to replicate for the players who have not been there how sound reverberates," he said.
Lancaster also confirmed he will ask for the stadium roof to remain open.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland has already stated he wants the Millennium Stadium roof closed to increase the atmosphere in the stadium, but Lancaster wants the roof to stay open as long as the weather forecast remains clear.
International Rugby Board [IRB] rules state the roof must remain open unless both teams agree to its closure, giving England an effective veto on the decision.
"We have a decision to make by the close of play on Wednesday, so we'll wait for the latest weather forecast," Lancaster said.
"But it looks like it is set fair and, if it is, then we want it open."

by Gwlad Wed 04 Feb 2015, 7:20 pm

Seems like Stewie is trying everything to shore up the crumbling psyche of his side before the onslaught on Friday, playing calming hymns, making them sleep with their windows open and personal foot massage, let's hope there's a happy ending!

by Breadvan Wed 04 Feb 2015, 8:13 pm

We'll instead of being dry, it's going to be cold and dry. Big deal. A load of bobbins over nothing.

by Gwlad Wed 04 Feb 2015, 8:29 pm

The roof is a total red herring, it creates a story in the press where to ask for it to be open after Gats has plugged the intimidating atmos line indicates the opposition are bottling it, fact is if the weather is shoite Lancs wants it shut too, otherwise it makes zero difference at night but because Stewie's decision is now construed as a failure to take up the roof closed gauntlet, it makes him look like he is wimping out. Total non event but quite amusing.

by englandglory4ever Wed 04 Feb 2015, 8:35 pm

This is the same old welsh hog wash when they used to say England only had one player because Wilko kept popping over the kicks for 3 points. If it makes sense then you do it. If only to turn the noise down so the players can actually hear the calls.

by gregortree Wed 04 Feb 2015, 8:36 pm

Gats just loves it !

by englandglory4ever Wed 04 Feb 2015, 8:39 pm

I like what SL has done. Effectively he has stuck two fingers up to Gatland and stood his ground with his chin out. A bit like Martin Johnson did when he was asked to move his team in Ireland. He said "No we ain't moving" and stood firm. Brilliant, English sturdyness at its best.

by Gwlad Wed 04 Feb 2015, 9:06 pm

englandglory4ever wrote:I like what SL has done. Effectively he has stuck two fingers up to Gatland and stood his ground with his chin out. A bit like Martin Johnson did when he was asked to move his team in Ireland. He said "No we ain't moving" and stood firm. Brilliant, English sturdyness at its best.

Yes he has, shows huge fighting spirit and character of the man! Taken the bait, hook line and sinker.

by gregortree Wed 04 Feb 2015, 9:19 pm

But why does Gays feel the need to dangle bait ? Is he bored with actual rugby ?

by Breadvan Wed 04 Feb 2015, 9:19 pm

Hardly taken the bait. Bomber has said nothing till now apart from now with 'yeh keep the roof open' Fact that the silence from the Eng camp has been deafening while gats has gone to town with his clichéd wind ups shows whose been dishing out the bait. Quite funny tbh...

by Guest Wed 04 Feb 2015, 9:22 pm

Breadvan wrote:Hardly taken the bait. Bomber has said nothing till now apart from now with 'yeh keep the roof open' Fact that the silence from the Eng camp has been deafening while gats has gone to town with his clichéd wind ups shows whose been dishing out the bait. Quite funny tbh...

Gone to town? Mentioned once a while back. Maybe you've been re-reading the same articles daily??? Headscratch

by Breadvan Wed 04 Feb 2015, 9:30 pm

Probably

Can't remember this much hype and sound bites in the past?

by Guest Wed 04 Feb 2015, 9:37 pm

Only on this forum though. Gats was asked by the journalist "will the roof be open or closed", he responded "we've asked for it to be shut for the atmosphere, etc.", 606 debated for a week or two and set up threads like this, and Lancaster announced today that it would be open. It's only been big news on here!

by Guest Wed 04 Feb 2015, 9:51 pm

Yeah, who cares about the roof actually. Those pink cowboy hats/daffodil head people will have to just shout a bit louder. Maybe we should make our team walk through a car park to crank up the atmosphere a bit, as some teams do?

by nathan Wed 04 Feb 2015, 10:00 pm

Griff wrote:Only on this forum though. Gats was asked by the journalist "will the roof be open or closed", he responded "we've asked for it to be shut for the atmosphere, etc.", 606 debated for a week or two and set up threads like this, and Lancaster announced today that it would be open. It's only been big news on here!

I'm sure the Western Mail has squeezed a fair few articles about it

by majesticimperialman Wed 04 Feb 2015, 10:08 pm

Why is it so important to Gatland that the roof i closed?

I know it gets cold at night now, So if you cannot stand the cold Don't Watch rugby on a friday night.

Rugby is an out door sport after all. If you want to be inside, play basket ball or something like that.

by Guest Wed 04 Feb 2015, 10:12 pm

nathan wrote:
Griff wrote:Only on this forum though. Gats was asked by the journalist "will the roof be open or closed", he responded "we've asked for it to be shut for the atmosphere, etc.", 606 debated for a week or two and set up threads like this, and Lancaster announced today that it would be open. It's only been big news on here!

I'm sure the Western Mail has squeezed a fair few articles about it

True. But a quick look at the online site interesting reveals 2 recent articles. One a Q&A with Lancaster on, amongst other things, the roof. And another report about Woodward talking about the roof. Perhpas a bigger deal outside Wales than in. Wink

by Guest Wed 04 Feb 2015, 10:15 pm

majesticimperialman wrote:Why is it so important to Gatland that the roof i closed?

I know it gets cold at night now, So if you cannot stand the cold Don't Watch rugby on a friday night.

Rugby is an out door sport after all. If you want to be inside, play basket ball or something like that.

What about the skin tight tops players wear, like 100m sprinters. Or the body armour they wear, like American Football players. Surely if they want all that they should just play those sports instead? Or.... Or, is it just a progression and evolution of the sport. After all NZ have a roofed rugby stadium too. A bit like a greenhouse. And they're A-Mazing at rugby so who are we to argue?!

by gregortree Wed 04 Feb 2015, 10:27 pm

Twickenham is a proper rugby field, open to the stars. No need for a claustrophobic troglodyte lid. I guess Cardiff has the deep coal and iron foundry folk memory. Bible black dragon brooding cave. And shut out the rest of the world, because we're Welsh in here and we love our roof.

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