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Last Updated: Monday, 14 March, 2005, 17:35 GMT
Stadium boss confident over pitch
The pitch was damaged during the Wales v England match
The pitch was damaged during the Wales v England match
Millennium Stadium manager Paul Sergeant is confident the pitch will not let Wales down as they pursue the Grand Slam against Ireland on Saturday.

The surface cut up during Wales' Six Nations rugby win over England last month, and the firm responsible for the turf was suspended.

Mr Sergeant said a new pitch had been brought in from Holland and tested thoroughly ahead of the crunch tie.

Wales are aiming for a first Grand Slam since 1978.

"We have re-turfed the whole surface - it played well for the Carling Cup final and we are going to have to see how it stands up to the scrums," he said.

"There is a huge amount of pressure on the turf from these athletes.

"We have brought in a very strong turf from Holland - we have tested it out with the team, we have been scrummaging on it... in the last couple of weeks.

"It is going to cut up - any turf cuts up really - but not to the extent we experienced at the England match.

"I am confident nothing will go wrong."

He said it was going to be a big week for his staff as they aimed "to deliver the stadium in a world class condition for a world-class event".




SEE ALSO:
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14 Mar 05 |  Six Nations
Ruddock wary of threat from Irish
14 Mar 05 |  Six Nations
Clock ticking on pitch damage
08 Feb 05 |  Wales
Hopes as concert brings in £1.25m
24 Jan 05 |  Wales
Rugby star's pain at baby's death
06 Jan 05 |  Wales
Pitch damage casts Wales shadow
07 Feb 05 |  Internationals


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