Intro:

England attacking skills coach Mike Catt said on Thursday (5th February) that the visitor's makeshift side will be able to cope with the open roof in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff as they prepare to take on Wales in the first match of the Six Nations.

Script:

England will travel to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to take on Wales in the opening match of the 2015 Six Nations Championships.

The roof will be open for Friday night's game, as both teams must agree for it to be closed.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland stated this was his preference, but England coach Stuart Lancaster, aware of the atmosphere generated by a racous home crowd, chose to keep it open.

The forecast for the evening is cold and dry and England's attacking skills coach Mike Catt doesn't seem to worried;

SOUNDBITE: Mike Catt:

"Listen its still going to be, open or closed, an amazing atmosphere, so it always is.'

The English squad has been hit by injuries, Luther Burrell and Jonathan Joesph form a new-look centre partnership.

Five players will make their first Six Nations starts - outhalf George Ford, centre Joesph, winger Anthony Watson and second rows George Kruis and Dave Attwood.

Tight head prop Dan Cole's benefited from a dwindled squad and makes his first England appearance in almost a year.

On the bench Nick Easter and Danny Cipriani could make their returns to the Six Nations after long absences.

SOUNDBITE: England Coach Mike Catt:

'Listen they are a big side, very very good defensively, keep the ball in the park a lot and make you run at them, and that's where they are exceptionally good at turning you over, your Warburton's, Faletau's.
Exceptionally good rugby players so you have to match them.'

Hopefully the open roof decision won't dampen the players or the fans spirits on the night.