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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Matthew Southcombe

Wales v Georgia could be affected by thunderstorms because stadium roof hasn't been used in four years

Wales' opening World Cup clash against Georgia will be exposed to the elements, despite the City of Toyota Stadium having a retractable roof.

Scattered thunderstorms are forecast to hit the area on match-day and there are fears the heavy rain could impact on the match.

The adverse weather is scheduled to hit the city throughout the day on Monday, but it is hoped that it will clear up by the time kick-off comes at 7.15pm local time.

There is a roof on the stadium that could protect the pitch in the build-up from any torrential rain, but it has not been used since 2015.

Maintenance costs have resulted in the roof being rendered inactive, leaving the stadium open to adverse weather conditions.

However, it’s not something that is concerning Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards, who backed his side’s ability to cope in wet weather.

“It’s obviously harder to play expansive, three-pass rugby in those kind of conditions but you have to adapt to any kind of conditions,” said Edwards.

“That’s what is fantastic about the game of rugby, there are different styles of tactics.

“Yesterday Australia started off the game throwing the ball everywhere and then changed their tactics and it worked for them. You have to adapt accordingly.

“Obviously if a storm comes, there is nothing we can do about that. But I think we have to look at the game against Ireland at the end of the Six Nations when they wanted the roof open.

“We are confident about the way we can play in the wet, we are a good wet-weather team. If it is wet and slippery, which it could be, then we have to adapt out tactics and tighten things up.”

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