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Warren Gatland jokes that he thought about shafting the Irish on roof request...

Warren Gatland's aversion to giving a boring press conference was on show again yesterday. Ahead ...



Warren Gatland jokes that he t...
Off The Ball Radio

Warren Gatland jokes that he thought about shafting the Irish on roof request...

Warren Gatland's aversion to giving a boring press conference was on show again yesterday.

Ahead of Ireland's World Cup warm up game in Cardiff, the eternal question of the Millennium Stadium's retractable roof reared it's head once more. 

Typically, over the past few years, Gatland has pushed for it to be closed while Ireland prefer to leave it open, quietening the atmosphere somewhat and leaving the pitch open to the elements.

Six Nations rules say that both sides have to agree to close the roof beforehand.

And Ireland have vetoed the closing of the roof on a number of occasions over the years.

However, this was not the case in this year's Six Nations. Ahead of the titanic clash in Cardiff, Ireland were still pondering the question, when Wales, in a break with their established preference, announced that the roof would be open.

However, Gatland appears to have forgotten this. 

"Joe rang me last week to talk about what we were looking at. I said we were going to have a mixed squad with some young and some experienced. He indicated that they were probably going to do the same.

"Then he proceeded to ask me what's happening with the roof. I said it's a bit ironic that you wanted it open during the Six Nations and now you want it closed! I think he wants it closed because it will be closed during the World Cup." 

Ireland take on France in their final pool game in the Millennium Stadium on Sunday 11 October. Kick off will 4.45. Unlike the Six Nations, where the decision is left up to the participants, the World Cup organisers have decreed that the roof will be closed in order to foster the perfect atmosphere. 

Ever the mischievous sort, Gatland boasted that he contemplated annoying the Irish by leaving it open. 

"There was a cynical side of me that felt like saying we're going to leave it open!"

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