IRELAND have a formidable record at the Millennium Stadium but it is reported that the Six Nations champions are not exactly overjoyed with their Newport base ahead of their World Cup showdown with France.
Sunday’s clash in Cardiff carries the massive prize of Pool D top spot and avoiding a last-eight date with holders New Zealand.
And the Irish press have reported that there have been some minor gripes about the preparations for Joe Schmidt’s team, who rather limped past Italy at the Olympic Stadium last weekend to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
The training bases have been decided by World Rugby and while Les Bleus are in the Vale Resort used by Wales, Cardiff Blues and Cardiff City, the Irish are in Newport.
And reports suggest that the Celtic Manor is too spread out with bedrooms a lengthy stroll away from the team room and dining area, although one paper’s claim of a 15-minute walk seems a tad excessive.
Meanwhile the training pitch at Newport High School, a short drive away, is said to be a touch heavy after rain early in the week.
Nonetheless, Schmidt won’t allow such small complaints to derail their challenge and they head into Sunday’s game as favourites.
Ireland have an excellent record against Wales at the Millennium Stadium with their August success making it six wins in nine visits – including their 2009 Grand Slam triumph – since the old national stadium was redeveloped for the 1999 World Cup.
They also beat Canada in Cardiff on the opening weekend of the tournament while Munster and Leinster have lifted the Heineken Cup in the capital.
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