To outsiders the race for the Lions captaincy appeared desperately tight but for head coach Ian McGeechan there was only one suitable candidate to lead a tour to South Africa.

Sticking with the policy that served him so well in 1997, he selected Paul O'Connell knowing his presence at the coalface would set the tone against the muscular Springboks.

"In South Africa it's important to have that focal point in the forwards - that's crucial to the dynamics of the Lions in South Africa," said the Scot.

The parallels with 1997 are stark, and none more so than in McGeechan's choice of captain.

Mirroring O'Connell's progression, Martin Johnson was asked to lead the Lions despite not holding the post with England at the time. Johnson also played in the second row.

A 2-1 triumph in the Test series vindicated McGeechan's decision and Johnson went on to become one of the great captains in British sporting history.

Having led Ireland four times – on each occasion deputising for Brian O'Driscoll, his only genuine rival for the Lions post – O'Connell has marginally more experience at leading a Test team.

Like Johnson the 29-year-old, who was at the helm for Munster's Heineken Cup triumph last season, has been picked for his abrasive, hard-nosed attitude.

Comfort was taken from Johnson's glowering presence in 1997 but while O'Connell will be looking to his predecessor for inspiration, Ireland's go-to man up front is determined to remain true to himself.

"I don't really know Martin that well. In 1997 I was 17 and very impressionable. I watched him on that tour and playing for England in big games," he said.

"Anything you can take from anyone to make you better you do. I thought he was a fabulous player.

"The way he led the Lions in 1997 was something to be admired and learnt from.

"But I presume I've been picked for who I am and not for who I should be in the future.

"I've got to go out there and captain the team as I've done with other sides in the past."

O'Connell is the 10th Irishman to lead a Lions tour but was not even born the last time a player from his nation provided a successful captain.

Willie John McBride's revered class of 1974 have earnt a fabled place in the Lions history for thumping the Springboks 3-0, drawing one Test, and O'Connell admits it is winning tours that are remembered.

"When I look back at the Lions it's the team that has managed to bring the four teams together and have been successful that sticks in the mind," he said.

"Willie John McBride in 74 and Martin Johnson in 97 are the sides that I remember. It's not daunting. It's a tough challenge but an exciting one."

Opinion was divided over whether O'Connell or Ireland's Grand Slam-winning captain O'Driscoll, skipper in New Zealand in 2005, would be favoured by McGeechan.

O'Driscoll was immense at times during the triumphant Six Nations, producing man of the match displays against England and Wales.

Momentum gathered behind his claim and he was installed as the bookmakers' favourite, but McGeechan's preference for a forward settled the issue.

"Brian rang me after talking to Geech. I've played with Brian when he was captain of Ireland," said O'Connell.

"In recent years I've always spoken or done things similar to what I do with Munster when I've been with Ireland and he's always encouraged that.

"I'll do the same with him. He said he was disappointed but also delighted for me."

O'Connell has laughed off his spat with Warren Gatland, the Wales assistant coach who made some inflammatory comments against Ireland in the build-up to the finale in Cardiff.

The pair will work closely together in South Africa as Gatland is forwards coach but O'Connell insists there is no ill-feeling.

"It was a big match, a big game with a lot at stake. There was a lot said," he said.

"He clipped us a few times and I clipped him afterwards. We spoke a few days after on the phone. We had a laugh about it."

Far from damaging his chances of becoming Lions captain, O'Connell's willingness to give Gatland a verbal dressing down – he told the Kiwi to keep his ego in check – may actually have strengthened his position.

Indeed, O'Connell's continued belligerence is essential if the Lions are going to upset the world champions and Test rugby's most physical team.