O'Callaghan proud to be captain

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Ireland Grand Slam winner and Munster lock O'Callaghan will lead the Lions against a fledgling Southern Kings outfit in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday afternoon.

"This is the biggest honour of my life, I was taken aback when 'Geech' told me. It's huge," said O'Callaghan, who becomes head coach Ian McGeechan's fourth skipper on tour after Paul O'Connell, Brian O'Driscoll and Phil Vickery.

It is the Lions' final game before their first Test showdown with world champions South Africa in Durban next Saturday.

And despite the opening Springboks clash looming ever closer, Lions McGeechan insists nothing will be decided in terms of his Test team until he draws it up on Wednesday.

It means O'Callaghan and company have gained just the incentive they require for a match the Lions should win comfortably and claim their sixth successive tour victory.

The Lions will take 24 players to Port Elizabeth, with the remainder of their squad heading for Durban on Tuesday.

Among those looking to leave a final impression on McGeechan will be O'Callaghan, his fellow lock Nathan Hines, who starts at blindside flanker, prop Andrew Sheridan and wing Shane Williams.

Scrum-half Mike Blair, meanwhile, faces a late fitness test on a foot injury. If he is ruled out, Harry Ellis can expect promotion off the bench, with Williams providing number nine cover.

"This is a great position for everyone going out," added O'Callaghan. "It is a chance to force the coach's hands with a huge performance, and that's a great way for everyone to feel."