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Probably not worth several threads so why not condense it here.
England train with hymns blaring over loudspeakers to prepare for hostile Wales crowd in Six Nations opener
ENGLAND have taken the unusual step of training to the sound of hymns being blasted out over loud speakers in a bid to get used to the atmosphere awaiting them at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium for their Six Nations opener with Wales.
On their last visit to the Welsh capital two years ago, England saw dreams of what would have been their first Grand Slam in a decade disappear with a thumping 30-3 defeat by Wales, with a packed Millennium Stadium crowd of some 74,500 contributing to the fevered environment in which the rout took place.
England’s side on Friday is set to feature only five survivors from that match in the starting XV and coach Stuart Lancaster has left no stone unturned at the squad’s training base in Bagshot, south of London, to make sure his team are not caught cold again.
England players trained to the sound of hymns being blasted out over loud speakers.
England players trained to the sound of hymns being blasted out over loud speakers. Source: Getty Images
“It’s just a way of trying to replicate for the players who have not been there examples of the type of sound and how it reverberates around the stadium,” Lancaster said after unveiling his matchday 23.
“It also shows you how clear your communication has to be because often you can’t hear yourself due to the intensity of the occasion.”
http://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/e...-1227208763290