Six Nations: WALES v IRELAND
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Date: Sat, 12 March Kick-off: 1700 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on BBC One Wales, BBC One HD and online from 1635-1900; Listen on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru & BBC Radio 5 Live; Text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles

Both teams must agree to the Millennium Stadium roof being closed for Six Nations games

The Millennium Stadium roof is due to be open for Saturday's Wales-Ireland Six Nations clash amid confusion over the issue.

Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde claimed Ireland wanted the roof open.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney replied: "You can only answer the question when you are asked and that period is over."

But a Millennium Stadium spokesperson told BBC Wales that Ireland team manager Paul McNaughton asked at a meeting for the roof to remain open.

The Millennium Stadium boasts the only roof among the grounds of the Six Nations rivals and tournament rules dictate whoever Wales play there must, along with the hosts, agree to it being open or closed.

That is the case for all formal competitive games at the stadium, but during the November Test window and other non-tournament games Wales have the right to dictate whether or not the roof is open.

The pitch looks good at the moment and a bit of fresh air never hurt anybody Ireland coach Declan Kidney

Following their final training run ahead of Saturday's clash, McBryde said: "It's a shame they want the roof open - we would like to have given them a warm welcome with the roof closed - but it's going to be a close game.

"I am not sure what the weather forecast is for tomorrow. It's a unique atmosphere and if the weather was to play a part in the outcome of the game I think it would be a shame.

"There is no point having a roof on the stadium otherwise."

Later on Friday, following Ireland's run-out at the stadium, Kidney said: "To my knowledge, the thing is we would be asked within 48 hours but we did not get any official request and we weren't asked.

"You can only answer the question when you are asked and that period is over now.

"But the pitch looks good at the moment and a bit of fresh air never hurt anybody, so we are looking forward to playing there."

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