The 2005 Lions tour skipper takes over the captain’s armband from fellow Irish international Paul O’Connell, who led the tourists to a 37-25 opening game victory over the Royal XV in Phokeng on Saturday.
O’Driscoll will form a centre partnership with Cardiff Blues giant Jamie Roberts, who is one of three players who keeps his place in the side from the weekend. The others are Ospreys try scorer Tommy Bowe and Munster back row man David Wallace, who switches from No8 to openside flanker.
It has been an incredible season to date for O’Driscoll, who led Ireland to their first Grand Slam in 61 years, picked up the 2009 RBS Six Nations Player of the Tournament title and then won a Heineken Cup winners medal with Leinster.
“Everyone is delighted that Brian O’Driscoll, the Irish Grand Slam skipper, will lead the team against the Golden Lions,” said tour manager Gerald Davies.
There are a further five players in the starting line-up who were used as replacements against the Royal XV – Mike Phillips, Lee Mears, Phil Vickery, Alun-Wyn Jones and Jamie Heaslip - while Shane Williams drops from the team to the bench.
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Magners League dominates Lions line-up
Magners League dominates Lions line-up
