Closed roof stadiums best for rugby, says Marshall

Leeds halfback and former All Black Justin Marshall says closed-roof stadiums and no pushing in scrums are changes he would like to see to the game of rugby.

In an interview with British newspaper the Daily Telegraph, Marshall said he thought scrums were too weighted against the lighter or weaker pack.

"You should be able to win your own scrum and create a comfortable platform. The purists in the forwards will be going mad at that, but it is just the way I feel," Marshall said.

He said his ideal future stadium was the Telstra Dome in Melbourne.

"Covered, unaffected by the weather. That is brilliant. It means you can implement your game plan, and that is how I believe top international sport should be played -- under perfect weather conditions."

Marshall said it was refreshing playing for Leeds and not being in the spotlight as much as in New Zealand where it could be difficult to find any privacy.

"I've managed to get a lot of my independence back. I'm passionate about rugby, but I realise there is not a really long-term future in the game for me. I still enjoy talking about and commentating on the game."

The former apprentice carpenter said there was a different philosophy to rugby in England and a different focus leading into games.

"The expectation in Super 12 is to move and manipulate players and get into space, letting the ball do the work. Here, it is a more physical approach, smashing the ball over the gain line."

Marshall also spoke about his biggest heroes in sport, mentioning Colin Meads, Gareth Edwards, Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen and Michael Jones.

- NZPA