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England have refused Wales' request for the Millennium Stadium roof to be closed for Friday night's Six Nations opener as they attempt to quieten the passionate Welsh crowd.

Stuart Lancaster today revealed he wants the roof to stay open as long as the weather forecast remains clear.

At present, there is no rain expected in the Welsh capital on Friday evening when the 2015 Championship begins in front of a packed stadium.

It is the first time England have returned to the scene of their 30-3 demolition in 2013 - a match that saw them crumble amid a remarkable atmosphere inside the home of Welsh rugby.

And Lancaster does not want to add to Wales' home advantage by closing the famous roof and generating an even more intense noise.

IRB rules state the roof must remain open unless both teams agree to its closure.

(Image: Action Images / Matthew Childs)

“We are waiting for the weather forecasts," said Lancaster early on Wednesday.

“It looks like it’s set fair and if it is then we will probably want it open.”

The news Lancaster wants the roof open for Friday night's game was confirmed by England officials on Wednesday evening.

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Wales coach Warren Gatland had earlier thrown down the challenge to England, saying: “The defeat in 2013 was probably a deep wound that’s taken a while to heal. I’m interested to see whether they keep the roof open or closed because the atmosphere was pretty electric that last time.

“So they may decide to leave the roof open to try and dampen down the atmosphere.

“I hope they want to close it and are prepared to accept that challenge, but we’ll wait and see.”

England have brought in loud speakers to their training camp this week in a bid to get their players used to the noise levels they can expect to experience in Cardiff.

Lancaster added: "It's a way of trying to replicate for the players who haven't been there examples of sounds they'll hear around the stadium, but also how clear your communication needs to be," Lancaster said.

"Sometimes it is difficult in such an intense atmosphere.

"We've not done it all week because we don't have the eardrums for that."

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