via rbs6nations.com

Mallet goes for open roof

By PA Sport

Italy coach Nick Mallett refused to have the Millennium Stadium roof closed for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations showdown with Wales. Rain is forecast for Cardiff on Saturday afternoon and Wales coach Warren Gatland would have liked the game to be played indoors. But the visiting team have the casting vote and Mallett believes rugby should be a game for all weathers and so the pitch will be open to the elements.

“I think the weather is part and parcel of rugby. I am not a great believer in closing the roof. I don’t like it,” said Mallett. “Your team’s ability to adapt to the weather is an important part of the game. Rugby is one of the few sports you can play in any type of weather and you should retain that. “We would be quite happy on a sunny day and if it is raining we will do our best in those conditions. “If we say it won’t be closed, then it won’t be closed.” It is no great surprise Gatland and Mallett adopted their respective positions, given the relative strengths of both teams. Wales boast a back division with more variety and invention than Italy and will look to spread the ball wide and attack an inexperienced Azzurri back three. Italy will want to target Wales in the forwards, with a game-plan based around one of the most powerful packs in world rugby. And Italy are determined to hit the Welsh hard right from the first whistle after being forced to play catch-up in their opening games against Ireland and England. Mallett was impressed by the Italian response against England as they hit back from a 20-6 half-time deficit to almost snatch victory. But the South African wants that attitude right from the off. “Over the two games we have played two poor halves, one average half and one good half,” said Mallett. “Against England, 20-6 down is not a good place to be at half-time but the important thing was the reaction. We controlled the ball and showed we can pay rugby instead of capitulating. “We are trying to retain that spirit.” Italy have not lost to Wales since 2005, having drawn 18-18 on their last visit to Cardiff and won a narrow contest in Rome last season. Italy captain Sergio Parisse said: “We are confident. My team don’t come here to look around Cardiff and the Millennium Stadium, we come here to win. “Two years ago we got a draw here and I think we can beat them.”