Bishop will line-up alongside summer signing Josh Matavesi in the midfield and another new face, former Wales full back Dan Evans, makes his debut in a back line that also sees the return of Eli Walker. Wales scrum half Rhys Webb is another player returning from injury and he partners Dan Biggar at half-back.
Lloyd Peers leads the side in the absence of Alun Wyn Jones and he is joined in the second row by South African import Rynier Bernardo. James King will play at openside in the absence of both Justin Tipuric and Sam Lewis.
“I’ve had a good pre-season, I’m feeling pretty sharp, and I’m just looking forward to getting out on the pitch,” said Bishop. “I’m really proud and honoured, to be reaching this milestone in my career.
“Duncan Jones is a great professional and it was only right that he was the first player to reach 200 games. It’ll be difficult for anyone to overtake him because he just keeps going and going, but to be the second person to reach that milestone is a great honour for me.”
The 29-year-old Bishop won the last of his 16 caps for Wales against the Barbarians in 2012 and will be hoping to put his name back in the hat for World Cup selection in 2015. His centre partnership with Ashley Beck, currently ruled out through injury, gives the Opsreys a strong midfield when both are at the top of their game.
“Andrew is what you would call a quiet leader, his actions prove an inspiration to his colleagues. He’s not a shouter or constant talker but when he does speak he does so with real authority and experience which means others listen,” said Ospreys Chairman, Roger Blyth.
“To become only the second ever Osprey to make 200 appearances for the region is an incredible achievement that Andrew and his family should take huge pride in. He’s not one to seek out or enjoy the limelight, but it is important that his contribution to the Ospreys cause over the last decade gets the plaudits it deserves.
“He is a true Osprey through and through. At 29 he still has a number of years ahead of him yet so we look forward to celebrating Andrew’s 250 or even 300th appearance in the seasons to come.”
The Ospreys lost four British & Irish Lions forwards during the summer, Adam Jones, Richard Hibbard, Ian Evans and Ryan Jones, and have had a tough pre-season campaign. But head coach Steve Tandy can’t wait to see how his new-look team fares in a competitive environment.
“It’s been a tough, long pre-season for everybody, so we can’t wait to get down to the real business on Friday night. We’re all looking forward to the game and starting to put into practice some of the things we’ve worked hard on over the summer,” said Tandy.
“It’s a pretty exciting time for us as a group. If you look at the PRO12 with the new European qualification rules, every game will count from day one to the final weekend of the season and there is a real sense of jeopardy. That adds value to a competition, for supporters, players and sponsors alike, and I’m sure will take the PRO12 on to another level.
“A lot has been said about where we are at the moment, but we are confident about where we are going and what we are trying to do. In difficult circumstances we’ve had to make some tough decisions with the future of the Ospreys in mind, but we are putting together a group of players that can give this region a very bright future.
“This year we’ve retained the services of 16 players including some key individuals, we’ve recruited well, and along with a core of experience we have a young and vibrant group of talented players coming through the ranks who now have another year under their belt.
“When you look at the teams we sent out that beat the likes of Castres and Leinster last season, we have only lost one or two of those boys, so the challenge now is to turn those wins into consistent form week in, week out.
“It’s going to be a challenging season, but I think that’s exciting. We know where we want to take this team on and off the field and I’d like to think that the supporters are buying into what we are trying to do and will come with us, starting with Friday night.”
Ospreys (v Benetton Treviso, Liberty Stadium, Friday, 5 September, 7.35pm:
15 Dan Evans
14 Jeff Hassler
13 Andrew Bishop
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Eli Walker
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb
1 Nicky Smith
2 Scott Baldwin
3 Aaron Jarvis
4 Lloyd Peers (Capt)
5 Rynier Bernardo
6 Joe Bearman
7 James King
8 Dan Baker
REPLACEMENTS
16 Sam Parry
17 Duncan Jones
18 Daniel Suter
19 Tyler Ardron
20 Morgan Allen
21 Martin Roberts
22 Sam Davies
23 Hanno Dirksen
