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Jean de Villiers v

South Africa's key gain-line breaker against arguably the Lions' find of the tour.

The inside centre channel will be crucial throughout the series, because this is where the attacking side often make their first thrust. De Villiers, 28, was South Africa's player of the year in 2008 and is their midfield linchpin and defensive controller.

Yet his only appearance since 18 April, when he partially tore a groin muscle playing for the Stormers against the Hurricanes, was a cameo against Namibia at the end of May.

He will have to be at his best on Saturday, because Roberts is the Lions' best ball carrier and has been excellent on this tour.

The 22-year-old fractured his skull against Australia last autumn, but has been a rampaging threat whenever he has been called on in South Africa.

Pierre Spies v Jamie Heaslip

South Africa's number eight is one of the most exciting players in world rugby, as he showed in scoring sensational long-range tries in both the semi and final of Super 14.

His combination of height, bulk and acceleration makes him a massive threat in open play and it will be Heaslip's job to keep a tight rein on the 24-year-old. The unassuming Irishman doesn't have Spies' running ability (which other forward does?) but he probably has a better all-round game.

Spies himself admits there are areas of his game he needs to work on, such as his work at the breakdown and in the tight - and he doesn't expect to score many long-range tries against the Lions.

He told me: "I've still got a long way to go. I'm still quite young and have a lot of things to do and learn."

Ruan Pienaar v Stephen Jones

Pienaar impressed when the Boks played England last November, running the Boks' back line cleverly and landing his goals.

The Sharks man has not played since 16 May though and there are fears he could be undercooked on Saturday. Goalkicking was crucial in 1997 and Pienaar will be the man charged with landing South Africa's penalties and conversions.

Boks kicking coach Percy Montgomery believes the fact that Pienaar is used to the difficult conditions at King's Park will be a major factor in his favour.

"It's a difficult field to kick on because of the swirl," he told me. "Ruan is from Natal and that will hopefully have an effect."

While there might be concerns about Pienaar's ability to deliver on the big occasion, Jones has proven he can in an international career stretching back to 1998.

He has also linked excellently with Brian O'Driscoll and Jamie Roberts earlier on this tour.

Victor Matfield v

Matfield is the best line-out forward in the world and is maybe the finest tight forward as well. He is also one of South Africa's key leaders, having captained the Bulls to the Super 14 title.

O'Connell has been in fine form this season, playing a key role in Ireland's Grand Slam triumph, but some have questioned his leadership abilities and even his place in the team on this tour. This first Test could prove a defining moment for the Irishman. Is he a Lions legend or "merely" a very good player.

Matfield praised O'Connell and played down the significance of their rivalry earlier in the week.

"Line-outs are the biggest time we will come one on one - in open play we concentrate more on what we have to do," he said. "I think he has been outstanding for Ireland in the last two or three years."

John Smit v Gethin Jenkins

The Welshman is a solid scrummager with the work-rate and mobility of a flanker; Smit is the inspirational skipper who led South Africa to a World Cup triumph.

He moved from hooker to tighthead last season though, to accommodate Bismarck du Plessis, and is yet to convince in his new position, even struggling against Namibia last month.

Jenkins says "I scrummaged against John Smit last autumn. He is a big, heavy, strong guy and technically he's very good."

Although he did interestingly admit that "one or two Super 14 teams" had got superiority over Smit last season.