Edwards: Nothing matches the Millennium By Nevel
Great Britain Rugby League legend Shaun Edwards says nowhere in the world gets close to the atmosphere created under the roof at the Millennium Stadium, as the countdown to the Rugby League World Cup 2013 Opening Ceremony continues.
Edwards enjoyed a decorated playing career spanning 18 years and represented his country with distinction on dozens of occasions.
He graced some of the greatest stadia in world sport, but he says one of his biggest regrets is that he never got the opportunity to play at the Millennium Stadium.
“I’ll definitely be going down for the Opening Ceremony. I’m speaking at a luncheon before the game and I’m very much excited to watch the show and both games,” said Edwards.
“I think it’s one of the best sporting venues in the world and the atmosphere under that roof should be fantastic.
“I haven’t been to a stadium in the world that comes close to the atmosphere you can create there when the roof is closed.
“When the crowd is emotionally charged, and when they get involved in the game, it can be an incredible place to play, and to watch rugby.”
“And to be honest with you, it’s one regret of mine that I never managed to play there.”
Following a spectacular Opening Ceremony, England face Group A rivals and arch enemies Australia in arguably international Rugby League’s biggest match, and Edwards believes we’ll learn a lot about both sides in those 80 minutes.
“It doesn’t get much bigger than England against Australia, and I think after those first two games we’ll know much more about Steve McNamara’s squad.
“We’ll find out where both teams are in the pecking order.
“Historically, the Australians have been most susceptible in their opening game. Back in the ’95 World Cup I was a part of the team that beat them at Wembley.
“I’m sure England will put a lot in to this first game, and I believe they can win it.”
Edwards is currently on the coaching staff at Wales Rugby Union, and says he has kept a close eye on the nation’s development in the 13-a-side code.
“Wales are a growing nation but they have a lot of decent players available, and I think we’ll learn a lot about them in that game against Italy.
“I know how determined those Welsh lads will be when they run out at the Millennium Stadium to represent their country.
“That should be a cracking game, and I’ll be cheering for a home victory.”
Join Shaun at the Millennium Stadium on October 26 and see the spectacular Opening Ceremony, followed by England v Australia and Wales v Italy.
Edwards enjoyed a decorated playing career spanning 18 years and represented his country with distinction on dozens of occasions.
He graced some of the greatest stadia in world sport, but he says one of his biggest regrets is that he never got the opportunity to play at the Millennium Stadium.
“I’ll definitely be going down for the Opening Ceremony. I’m speaking at a luncheon before the game and I’m very much excited to watch the show and both games,” said Edwards.
“I think it’s one of the best sporting venues in the world and the atmosphere under that roof should be fantastic.
“I haven’t been to a stadium in the world that comes close to the atmosphere you can create there when the roof is closed.
“When the crowd is emotionally charged, and when they get involved in the game, it can be an incredible place to play, and to watch rugby.”
“And to be honest with you, it’s one regret of mine that I never managed to play there.”
Following a spectacular Opening Ceremony, England face Group A rivals and arch enemies Australia in arguably international Rugby League’s biggest match, and Edwards believes we’ll learn a lot about both sides in those 80 minutes.
“It doesn’t get much bigger than England against Australia, and I think after those first two games we’ll know much more about Steve McNamara’s squad.
“We’ll find out where both teams are in the pecking order.
“Historically, the Australians have been most susceptible in their opening game. Back in the ’95 World Cup I was a part of the team that beat them at Wembley.
“I’m sure England will put a lot in to this first game, and I believe they can win it.”
Edwards is currently on the coaching staff at Wales Rugby Union, and says he has kept a close eye on the nation’s development in the 13-a-side code.
“Wales are a growing nation but they have a lot of decent players available, and I think we’ll learn a lot about them in that game against Italy.
“I know how determined those Welsh lads will be when they run out at the Millennium Stadium to represent their country.
“That should be a cracking game, and I’ll be cheering for a home victory.”
Join Shaun at the Millennium Stadium on October 26 and see the spectacular Opening Ceremony, followed by England v Australia and Wales v Italy.
