Adam Beard believes Scotland’s decision to close the Principality Stadium roof could hand Wales an advantage tomorrow.
After initially requesting the roof remain open, Scotland changed their minds on Friday morning.
Under Six Nations regulations, the roof is only closed if both teams agree to it.
READ MORE: Scotland in U-turn as they make agreement with Wales to close roof
Ospreys lock Beard, who will win his 52nd cap alongside new Wales skipper Dafydd Jenkins, hopes it could give Wales an advantage.
“The buzz, the noise, everything about it is unbelievable – it's something you can’t really explain.
"That feeling of passion and pride is like having an extra man on the field and I know it’s something the players are looking forward to.
Asked if the change of heart showed a lack of clarity from Scotland, Beard said: "I am not too sure. All I know now the roof is closed, it is going to be great to have the fans in a full stadium, the crowd will be buzzing. If it was open or closed, we didn't mind."
Beard said the roof does not have a significant impact on playing conditions, but believes the atmosphere generated by the 74,500 fans inside the sold out Principality Stadium could give Wales a boost.
"We didn’t mind, we’re just looking forward to the game. The crowd makes a massive impact – the atmosphere makes it 10 times better.
“We want to get our tournament off to a winning start and it’ll be big for us to get that win against Scotland tomorrow.”
Beard was in the Wales team that was thumped 35-7 at Murrayfield last year, but he insists revenge is not on the Wales players’ minds.
READ MORE: Finn Russell shines as Scotland turn on the style to hammer Wales
“We’re not thinking too much about last year. We’re focusing on the present and making sure we get a good performance in. If we do that hopefully we’ll get the victory.”
Wales have lost several experienced campaigners, including Dan Biggar, Justin Tipuric, and with George North and Taulupe Faletau injured, Beard is one of this team's old heads.
Wales' starting XV has 413 caps, with more than half that total shared by just four players - Beard, scrum-half Gareth Davies, wing Josh Adams and number eight Aaron Wainwright.
“Gats is great at getting the boys up for the game and making sure we’re all on our jobs and putting pride in the jersey. It’s a massive achievement playing for your country, so we want to go out there and get the victory.”
Beard also backed 21-year-old fullback Cameron Winnett to shine on his debut.
“He’s got his head down, worked hard and he looks sharp in training so hopefully he has a great day on his first cap.”
The lock, a Lions tourist in 2021, also believes Wales can surprise people in this year’s championship.
"It’s exciting times. There’s no better competition in the world than the Six Nations. It’s a new-look squad and a lot of the boys are getting their first opportunity to play in the Six Nations.
"There’s no better way to start than at home against Scotland in a packed Principality Stadium. The buzz around camp has been great.
“We’re taking it game-by-game but don’t write us off. Whether it’s new faces or not, when you pull on that red jersey we’ve got a job to do. Our job tomorrow is to get a victory over Scotland.”
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