IT IS little more than 72 hours since Wales sensationally beat Ireland to make it through to a Rugby World Cup semi-final against France.

But Gwent’s pubs, clubs and major sporting venues are already planning how they will cheer on Gatland’s men this Saturday.

Newport Gwent Dragons announced yesterday that Rodney Parade will host a day for supporters to “fill their rugby-loving boots”, opening from 8.30am on Saturday for the semi final kick off at 9am.

The ground, which is normally home to World Cup stars including Toby Faletau, Dan Lydiate and Luke Charteris, will be serving drinks and bacon rolls, alcohol from 11am, and entry is free for under 16s.

A Newport Gwent Dragons spokeswoman said: “With any luck, after the Dragons boys have helped the men in red dispatch the French, the build-up will begin for the Dragons’ opening match in the LV= Cup against Bath kicking off at 2pm.”

The match will also be broadcast inside Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, which will open its doors to fans from 8am.

Tickets to enter the stadium on Saturday are available from today at gate 3 of the venue between 10am and 7pm, or on the WRU website.

Tickets will be free as long as fans wear patriotic red, but will be limited to six tickets per person.

Elsewhere, rugby clubs in Gwent are preparing their own events to support the Welsh team.

Clubs opening for the 9am kick-off include Oakdale RFC, Risca RFC, Newbridge RFC, Pill Harriers RFC, Abergavenny RFC, Abercarn RFC, Crumlin RFC and Cwmbran RFC, with many serving up breakfasts for nervous fans.

Gwent pubs will also be opening to welcome earlymorning punters.

Landlord at the Coach and Horses in Chepstow Ian Meyrick said they had a good turn out for the quarter final against Ireland on Saturday, and were expecting an even bigger party for Saturday’s match. He said: “We had a really great crowd of customers, and we’ve already had people phoning up about this weekend. We will be opening from 8.30am, and have already got our flags up to get a bit of feeling going. It’s going to be chock-a-block.”

The Handpost in Newport will also be opening from8am after the success of last weekend’s match and landlord Winston Chapman said they are looking forward to it.

● Are you having a world cup party? Or trying to get out to the game in New Zealand? Contact Jessica Best or Alison Sanders on 01495 751751.

‘We’ll fly to New Zealand’ - Abercarn rugby fans

FOR one group of Abercarn supporters, the outcome of Saturday’s game will decide on whether they travel thousands of miles to see the World Cup final.

Graham Case, 69, and five fellow members from Abercarn RFC want to go to New Zealand for the final if Wales win on Saturday.

Mr Case said they were talking about it at the club on Saturday and said there may be even more wanting to go if they can get flights and accommodation.

The six men, aged between 50 and 69, are mostly retired but two would need the time off work.

Mr Case, a former chairman of Abercarn RFC, said: “It’s a one off situation and something we may not ever witness again unless we go. “I don’t like flying alot but this will be an exception. If they win on Saturday, I’m almost certain I’ll be going.”

He added: “If Wales are winning with ten minutes to go on Saturday, we’ll be ringing up to book our flights.”