Sports

Wales assistant coach Rob Howley has defended the decision to leave the Millennium Stadium roof open for Saturday's clash against Australia by claiming it is part of their preparations for next year's World Cup.

Warren Gatland's team have generally asked for the roof to be closed on the Cardiff stadium whenever there has been a chance of bad weather.

But with the 2011 World Cup being held during a New Zealand winter, Howley is well aware that his side are likely to face some testing conditions.

Howley believes that, whatever the weather on Saturday, leaving the arena open to the elements will be beneficial in the long run.

"The roof will be open, I think the big picture for us is there is a Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next year, and we know the conditions having toured there in the summer," he said.

"The weather is due to be fine tomorrow (Saturday) but it's about the bigger picture and we are looking forward to playing Australia."

Gatland pointed out earlier this week that opposition goal-kickers have had good records when the roof has been closed.

Australia have handed their kicking duties to 20-year-old wing James O'Connor, who despite showing nerves of steel to kick two conversions, include the match winner against New Zealand last weekend, is relatively inexperienced at Test level.

Howley insists that is not a factor in the decision to leave the roof open, but hopes that the Cardiff crowd can make it a difficult afternoon for the precociously talented Western Force youngster.

"If Warren Gatland said that (about visiting kickers) it will be down to some stats he has seen," Howley said.

"There are different climatic conditions between the roof being open and closed and if Warren said that who am I to argue?

"He (O'Connor) seems quite comfortable doesn't he? He did very well to kick that conversion under pressure last week from near the touchline to win the game, especially as they had not beaten the All Blacks for 10 games, was pretty special.

"But I am sure the Millennium Stadium will provide different climactic conditions and it will be a bit more uncomfortable, and hopefully the crowd will come in to make it a difficult situation for him when he comes up to kick."