Scotland are looking to dampen atmosphere

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has questioned opposite number Andy Robinson's "sanity" after it emerged he had requested the roof be left open, regardless of the playing conditions. The roof cannot be closed unless both teams agree on the matter.

Robinson is determined to deny the home side any advantage, both in terms of the weather and also the improved atmosphere a closed roof can provide.

Gatland accused Robinson of abdicating his "responsibility" to ensure the match is as much of a spectacle as possible but Scotland captain Cusiter insisted a rain-affected contest would hurt his side as much as Wales.

"If you look at the style of game that Scotland want to play then it wouldn't make sense if we want wet conditions," the scrum-half said.

"I think we just want a natural atmosphere to play in.

"Personally, I'm not bothered if the roof is open or closed. If Andy's made that choice then that's up to him."

Nathan Hines was yesterday ruled out for Scotland after suffering a calf strain and aggravating an ankle injury against France.

Leinster's Hines will be replaced by Edinburgh's Jim Hamilton.

France coach Marc Lievremont has made two enforced changes to the team that beat Scotland for Les Bleus' game with Ireland.

Vincent Clerc and Alexis Palisson come in for wings Aurelien Rougerie and Benjamin Fall, who were both forced to withdraw with injuries.

Ronan O'Gara will continue in the No 10 jersey for Ireland with fit-again Jonathan Sexton likely to feature on the bench.

It will be O'Gara's second start since losing his place to Sexton for the 15-10 victory over South Africa in November.

Ireland have not beaten France in Paris since 2000 when Brian O'Driscoll scored a hat-trick as a 21-year-old to become a household name.