The Wasps back-row forward stands in for original skipper Brian O'Driscoll, who is unable to take part in the clash because of an elbow injury sustained against England but will be pitchside with the squad.

Dallaglio is one of five England players chosen by North coach Sir Clive Woodward to start the match, with Leicester's Ollie Smith and Ben Cohen, of Northampton, among the backs and Worcester's Pat Sanderson and Sale's Andy Titterrell chosen in the pack.

Sanderson's club colleague at Sixways, uncapped prop Chris Horsman, beefs up the front row, while highly-rated Newcastle centre Mathew Tait is among the replacements.

Wales have two players - scrum-half Gareth Cooper and prop John Yapp - in the starting XV while their RBS 6 Nations rivals Ireland are represented by lock Donncha O'Callaghan and fly-half David Humphreys, who will be vice captain of the side.

Scotland's influence comes in the form of full-back Chris Paterson and number eight Simon Taylor, who has only recently returned from injury.

France and Italy have three players between them in the team.

Woodward, who was Dallaglio's coach when the 32-year-old Lion captained England for two separate spells, does not believe the late change of leadership has weakened his side.

I am delighted that Lawrence is involved as captain,'' said the World Cup-winning coach.

He is a proven, outstanding player and he is relishing the prospect of stepping up to the mark and taking on the role of captaincy for this unique match.

North team:
C Paterson (Scotland); M Bergamasco (Italy), O Smith (England), D Traille (France), B Cohen (England); D Humphreys (Ireland), G Cooper (Wales); J Yapp (Wales), A Titterrell (England), C Horsman, M Bortolami (Italy), D O'Callaghan (Ireland), L Dallaglio (England, capt), P Sanderson (England), S Taylor (Scotland).
Replacements: R Ibanez (France), C Soulette (France), O Brouzet (France), J Thomas (Wales), M Phillips (Wales), C Sweeney (Wales), M Tait (England).

South team:
C Latham (Australia); B Lima (Samoa), J Fourie (South Africa), T Umaga (New Zealand), S Bobo (Fiji); A Mehrtens (New Zealand), G Gregan (Australia, capt); C Hoeft (New Zealand), J Smit (South Africa), K Visagie (South Africa), S Maling (New Zealand), V Matfield (South Africa), S Burger (South Africa), P Waugh (Australia), T Kefu (Australia).
Replacements: E Taukafa (Tonga), E Guinazu (Argentina), S Sititi (Samoa), O Palepoi (Samoa), M Raulini (Fiji), T Delport (South Africa), AN Other.
end