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Wales Online
Sport
Tom Coleman

Today's rugby headlines as Wales stopped from closing Principality Stadium roof and daunting South Africa matches announced

Here's your round-up of all the latest rugby headlines for Tuesday, February 8.

Principality Stadium roof to stay open

The Principality Stadium roof is set to remain open for all three of Wales' home games in this year's tournament due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Rules around crowds attending sporting fixtures in Wales were recently relaxed, after fresh measures were introduced last month to combat the spread of the Omicron variant, and a capacity crowd is expected in Cardiff.

But according to the Daily Mail , Covid restrictions around indoor events mean that the stadium roof will not be closed for any of the three games.

Supporters will additionally have to show a Covid pass or proof of a negative lateral flow test to enter the stadium, with the WRU also advising fans to wear masks in the concourse areas.

Wales v South Africa series confirmed

Things don't get any easier for Wales, with the WRU today confirming they will return to South Africa for the first time since 2014 to play three tests this summer.

The first Test against the world champion Springboks will be held at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday July 2.

From there Wayne Pivac’s squad will head to the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein (9 July) before completing the series at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday 16 July.

Saturday 2 July: South Africa v Wales – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Saturday 9 July: South Africa v Wales – Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein

Saturday 16 July: South Africa v Wales – DHL Stadium, Cape Town

Eddie Jones 'completely outcoached' by Gregor Townsend - Beattie

Eddie Jones was completely outcoached during England's Calcutta Cup defeat to Scotland, according to former Scottish back-row Johnnie Beattie.

Gregor Townsend's side came through against England at Murrayfield to win their second successive Calcutta Cup on Saturday in the opening round of the Six Nations.

And Beattie, who won 38 caps for his country, was full of praise for Townsend - claiming the former fly-half had the better of England's head coach.

Referring to England and Jones as "toothless", he wrote in his RugbyPass column : "Townsend completely outcoached Jones and not for the first time.

"England looked completely blunt and brittle despite their vastly superior resources. That is why questions should and will be asked.

Hastings brothers back Scotland for glory in Cardiff

Gavin Hastings believes Scotland are more than capable of ending their rotten run in Cardiff with a victory this weekend.

Scotland haven't won in Wales in 20 years, but will arrive full of confidence following an impressive win over England at Murrayfield.

“It seems an incredibly long time ago,” Gavin told The Courier. “This year, it’s not like they’re going to a place they’ve never been before.

“All you can do in the build-up to the game is prepare as best you can and hopefully when the game starts you perform very, very well.

“I have no doubt that if Scotland play to their potential they will win the game on Saturday. I genuinely believe that because they are very much good enough to win the game.

“I’m amazed we haven’t won there since 2002. Let’s try and right that record."

While the mood in the Scottish camp is sky high, Welsh rugby has already embarked on some serious soul searching on the back of a chastening defeat to Ireland in Dublin.

However, Gavin's brother, Scott, believes Wayne Pivac's men cannot be underestimated, particularly in front of a passionate home crowd.

“They were outgunned by a superb Ireland team, they were caught in the headlights a bit,” he said. “But back in the Principality, with that atmosphere, they’re going to come into the game.

“They’ve got a lot of experience and there will be a bounce back, undoubtedly so. But there’s got to be some momentum with Scotland and they’ve got to put that team under pressure and turn the screw.

“There are times when you are in control in international rugby and times when you are not and when you’re not you’ve got to ensure your defensive systems are in place. But there’s a confidence there within Scotland that they must take through that full 80 minutes.”

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