Lions: Lions' roof deal sealed

It has been confirmed that the Lions will play under a closed roof for the first time in their illustrious history when they tackle Australia on Saturday.

Agreement has been reached to close the lid on Melbourne’s 55,000-capacity Colonial Stadium, venue for the second Test.

Confirmation of the move was made in Melbourne this morning by Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O’Neill.

The Colonial Stadium has already staged an international rugby union Test with the roof closed last summer’s Mandela Cup clash between Australia and South Africa.

‘‘Following communications between Syd Millar (chairman of the Lions tour committee) and myself today, the roof will be shut,’’ O’Neill said.

‘‘It is thought that shutting the roof will provide a completely neutral environment.

‘‘After the Mandela Cup game last year, players from both teams were full of praise.’’

Both the ARU and Lions had to agree for the roof to be shut, otherwise it would have remained open under International Rugby Board guidelines.

Welsh members of the Lions squad will be familiar with a closed roof scenario, having played in such conditions at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, but it will be a whole new ball game for the likes of captain Martin Johnson and goalkicker Jonny Wilkinson.