Published Thursday, 28 May 2009
The Ireland lock will lead a powerful line-up that includes seven Wales internationals, while Keith Earls and Jamie Roberts both make their Lions debuts in midfield.
Head coach Ian McGeechan has named an all-Ospreys back three of Lee Byrne, Tommy Bowe and Shane Williams, with Ireland Grand Slam winner Ronan O'Gara pulling the strings from fly-half.
O'Connell will be partnered in the second row by England's Simon Shaw.
The English veteran and O'Connell are among only eight players to have featured on a previous Lions tour.
Keith Earls, 21, is the youngest player on tour in South Africa.
McGeechan believes it will be a day to savour for both the Irishman and Jamie Roberts, 22.
McGeechan said: "I think it is really exciting if we have a lot of players making their debuts.
"I remember my debut for the Lions against Western Transvaal in 1974, and it is a career highlight.
"For young men such as Keith Earls and Jamie Roberts it will be a day to remember and they will be thrilled to get an early taste of match action on the tour.
"While we have a lot of players making their Lions debuts, there is a huge amount of international experience in the team.
"The average age is 28 and that reflects the maturity we have in the squad."
Meanwhile, Paul O'Connell revealed his burning desire for the 2009 British and Irish Lions to become legends.
"Probably 1974 is what made those players legends and that is what we are here to do," the Ireland lock said.
"If we can win a Test series against South Africa it would be massive for our careers. I think it is the ultimate for any player's career.
"The Lions in South Africa tends to be the pinnacle of any player's career in the four home nations.
"And for us to come here and win, that's what legends are made of. That is what our goal is."
As expected, Brian O'Driscoll, Jamie Heaslip and Tom Croft are set to make their tour entries next week after being involved in last Saturday's Heineken Cup Final between Leinster and Leicester.