Fans prepare for World Cup semi

14 October 2011 Last updated at 19:41 ET

Fans who cannot watch the game live in New Zealand are heading to Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, which opens at 0730 BST ahead of the 0900 BST kick-off

More than 60,000 rugby fans will watch Wales in the World Cup semi-final on big screens at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff – more than at the game against France in New Zealand.

First Minister Carwyn Jones, who will join them, hailed it a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to promote Wales around the world.

Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan said the team would return heroes.

The stadium opens at 0730 BST ahead of the 0900 BST kick-off.

Fans snapped up free tickets to watch the match at the stadium after Wales beat Ireland in the quarter-finals.

Initially, 25,000 tickets were released, but organisers released tens of thousand more when the huge demand became clear.

It is the first time Wales have reached the semi-finals since 1987 and, if successful, would be their first time in the final.

The WRU said a giant screen, which it believes to be the largest mobile screen in the world, is in place on the pitch along with the stadium’s two permanent large screens.

Cardiff council’s executive board member for sport, Nigel Howells, said the early kick-off was presenting a challenge.

“We’ve got lots of plans in place to make sure everybody can get to the game on time and not miss one minute of the action,” he told BBC Wales.

Pubs and clubs

“There is going to be a series of road closures – we are confident working with the stadium and the police that this should go without a hitch and everybody should have a fantastic day.”

The world’s media has been following the Welsh team’s every move in the build up to the game

The game is also being shown on the big screen in Swansea’s Castle Square and at hundreds of pubs and rugby clubs across the country which are opening early.

One of those will be the Fox and Hounds Inn in Bancyfelin in Carmarthenshire.

Despite having a population of less than 300, two of the Welsh World Cup squad – scum-half Mike Phillips and centre Jonathan Davies – come from the village.

Posters of the pair have been put up at the village school, post office, the pub and every lamppost and notice board.

On Friday, thousands of people around Wales turned up for work dressed in red.

Welsh captain

The Welsh flag is also being flown above 10 Downing Street.

Family and friends of many of the players will be willing the team on at home including postman Stephen Bennett whose son Huw is the Wales hooker.

Others such as Welsh captain Sam Warburton’s parents Jez and Carolyn made a last-minute decision to fly to New Zealand after Wales beat Ireland.

Mr Warburton, a firefighter, said his colleagues had agreed to cover his shifts.

“Just everybody has been so helpful, it’s a lovely feeling and we are just so privileged to be here,” he said.

His mother added: “I was saying to Sam that the atmosphere back home is just electric.”

BBC Wales Today will be broadcast live from the Millennium Stadium on Saturday lunchtime

First Minister Mr Jones said the team had been great ambassadors for Wales on and off the field.

“This isn’t just about sport,” he added. “It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Wales on an international stage.

“It’s giving us attention around the world that money just couldn’t buy.

“My message to the world is clear. Wales is a small country but can compete with the best.

“Wales is a great country to live, to study and do business in.”

Welsh Secretary Ms Gillan said: “This is the biggest game for Wales in over 20 years and it has been heartening to see the outpouring of support for the Welsh team, not just in Wales but across the UK.

“No matter what the result, the Welsh team have captured our imagination and they will return as heroes.”

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