Peter de Villier's Springboks will play host to the Lions in a three-Test series later this year © Getty Images

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News: Has McGeechan got it right?

News: O'Connell confirmed as captain of Lions

Players/Officials: Peter De Villiers | Ian McGeechan | Paul O'Connell | Brian O'Driscoll

Tournaments/Tours: British and Irish Lions tour

Teams: South Africa

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has expressed his surprise at the decision to appoint lock Paul O'Connell as captain of the British & Irish Lions.

The Springboks boss, speaking following the announcement of the 37-man Lions squad that will tour South Africa this summer, thought that Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll's Six Nations form would see him selected over his countryman but insists O'Connell is still a formidable skipper.

"I am surprised that Paul O'Connell got the captaincy ahead of Brian O' Driscoll, who was the most successful captain in the Six Nations in 2009 and captained the Lions to New Zealand four years ago," said De Villiers.

"But O'Connell is the captain of Munster and has also captained Ireland at Test level and we will not underestimate his leadership capabilities. This is a huge accolade for Paul O'Connell and it will come with great responsibility."

The Springbok coach felt there were no major surprises among the chosen players who will embark on a 10-match tour in May that culminates in a three-Test series.

"It is a good squad, which is what we expected, based on the players who were on form in the Six Nations and understanding the type of players that Ian McGeechan was looking for. It is also evident that the squad has been picked on form, fitness, combinations and experience. It looks like a well-balanced and experienced group and it will be interesting to see how their Test side takes shape."

"As expected the bulk of players are from Ireland and Wales, but the number of England players in the group is evidence of the improvement they showed in the closing stages of the Six Nations.

"Now that we know the make-up of the Lions squad we will be able to advance our preparations in terms of our analysis of their strengths and weaknesses, how we expect them to play and how we must prepare for the three tests.

"A Lions tour is always a momentous occasion and 2009 will be no different. Our guys know the magnitude of the task that lies ahead and they know the expectation that there is, especially in view of the disappointments of 1997."

De Villiers said he had kept a close watch on recent Super 14 games and that he may look at a few newcomers to be introduced into his squad.

"There are a few injury concerns presently but we expect that all of the leading contenders will be fit when we assemble in June. We have not yet confirmed the date for our squad announcement as we have to consider the possibility of our having a team in the Super 14 final on May 30.

"One of our main concerns at this stage is the possibility of us having a team or teams in the semi-finals or final of the Super 14 which has to travel to Australasia. Regardless of which teams SA teams might be involved in the Super 14 final, the practice match against a Namibian Invitation XV will go ahead in Windhoek on May 29."

South Africa captain John Smit said he expected the Lions to pick strong and aggressive forwards. "There is depth in every position, which is what they will need on a long and tough tour. We expect that there will be strong competition for places in all positions, which will make things interesting for us.

"The captain Paul O'Connell is a team man who is well respected internationally and it is obvious they are trying to replicate the vibe and momentum that they had with the same coach in 1997."