Millennium Stadium tied in Knots
A brand new pitch is being laid at the Millennium Stadium in time for the forthcoming November Tests against South Africa, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, after the discovery of a parasite in the current surface.
A brand new pitch is being laid at the Millennium Stadium in time for the forthcoming November Tests against South Africa, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, after the discovery of a parasite in the current surface.
An investigation by independent consultants has confirmed the turf on the pitch has been affected by a condition called Root Knot Nematodes which causes gradual deterioration of the grass quality.
Millennium Stadium officials decided to take decisive action ahead of the autumn games which kick off with world champions South Africa on November 8 – less than three weeks' time.
The Root Knot Nematodes condition is normally treatable, but the timescale necessary for a full recovery has led to a decision to replace the turf with new grass. It is a parasitic condition found in soil which attacks grasses and crops and can develop under certain climatic conditions.
“An examination by independent consultants has confirmed the presence of the Root Knot Nematodes parasite at a level which will cause future deterioration of pitch quality unless it is treated,” said Millennium Stadium Manager, Gerry Toms.
“The treatment process would take a number of weeks to eradicate the problem so we have decided to immediately remove the affected turf and replace it instead.
“The nature of this condition means that over the weeks ahead the grass quality would decline while the treatment was becoming effective. Clearly the window for recovery would be too small for the autumn games.
“Root Knot Nematodes attack the root growth so as it spreads causes the surface of the pitch to weaken.
“This is simply one of those circumstances which requires a quick resolution and I am satisfied we have acted decisively and effectively.
A new pitch is normally installed by placing the pallets in position and covering the area with soil before rolling out a new grass cover.
The action now being taken will only involve replacing the turf while the pallets and soil in place will remain. When the contaminated turf has been removed the soil will be treated to eradicate any remaining parasites before the new pitch is laid.
In the past there have usually been three full pitch changes each year at the Millennium Stadium, but innovations and improvements in care and careful organisation of major events have meant that only two changes now normally take place.
The stadium turf has often been criticised in the past for its propensity to cut up during matches though, and with the new pitch not having much time to bed in, it remains to be seen how this one will fare.