Wales prop Samson Lee has revealed talk of ghostly goings-on at the team's Rugby World Cup base in Surrey.
As if the prospect of confronting red-hot Australia is not daunting enough, the 19th-Century Oatlands Park Hotel in Weybridge is known for tales regarding sightings of the so-called "Grey Lady" in a crinoline dress, while room 1313 on the hotel's third floor has a history of guests reporting extreme temperature changes and the feeling of a "presence". The hotel, which dates back to 1856, stands on the site of the Tudor royal palaces of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.
"A few boys think they've seen a ghost, but I'm not sure they actually have," Lee said. "I think it's best to stay away from room 1313. It has been discussed over food and stuff like that, and Dan Lydiate isn't happy about it. He actually thinks he's seen a ghost, but I think he's dreaming."
Back-rower James King added: "Dan Lydiate and Taulupe Faletau have said they've seen a couple of ghosts, but I haven't seen any. I am sure a few of the boys are playing a few pranks, like hiding in the cupboards. But fingers-crossed, I haven't seen any ghosts yet."
The cheerful paranoia about the paranormal will not hinder preparations for the World Cup Pool A decider against Australia at Twickenham, with the Dragons' spirits high after booking a berth in the quarterfinals.
Unbeaten Wales know victory over the Wallabies -- a feat they have not accomplished since 2008 -- will see them progress as top seeds into a quarterfinal against, most likely, Scotland or Japan; defeat will set them most likely against two-time World Cup winners South Africa.