United Rugby Championship: Dragons v Ospreys (Sat)

Wales lock Adam Beard has been passed fit for the United Rugby Championship (URC) Welsh derby opener against Dragons at Rodney Parade on Saturday.

Beard is joined in the starting side by fellow Wales internationals Gareth Thomas, Dewi Lake, James Ratti and Owen Watkin, while former captain Justin Tipuric packs down in the same back row as new skipper Jac Morgan.

Dragons also have a new captain in lock Ben Carter, while coach Dai Flanagan hands debuts to new signings Shane Lewis-Hughes, who is at number eight, and fly-half Lloyd Evans.

The home replacements include flanker Dan Lydiate, who has agreed a new Dragons deal, which will also includes a coaching role.

Dragons are looking to improve on their 15th place finish last season when only Zebre finished below them.

"A lot of hard work has gone in during pre-season, but the first league game of the season is the time that counts," said Flanagan.

"Itâ€TMs a local derby on a Saturday afternoon, so It can't get much better than that. Weâ€TMre excited to see what we can do this season.

"Ospreys have a fantastic squad, are top eight in the league side, with a good experienced coaching staff.

"They have internationals littered across their squad, Welsh captains in their pack, so it's a big challenge for us."

Booth believes discipline will be a key factor in the game's outcome.

"Dragons hasn't been a great place for us in recent years and we're mindful of the challenge," said Booth.

"If you look at games against the Dragons home and away there's a common theme around discipline.

"There have been a lot of cards, 13 in the games I've been involved in including three reds, and it usually favours the home team.

"So we've spoken a lot about our discipline because the key to any derby, but particularly this fixture, is keeping players on the pitch."