"I toured with Paul in 2005 and I know first-hand what a real competitor and professional he is," said Rowntree.
"He hasn't said too much to date, but he has said the right things at the right time. In that respect he reminds me very much of Martin Johnson.
"Martin was very good at saying just the right things and that is a great characteristic for a captain to have. I have been very impressed with the way Paul has conducted himself.
"He has been exemplary in everything he has done and his work ethic is tremendous."
O'Connell is on a mission to lead his side into the record books alongside the 1974 and 1997 Lions, who both won series in South Africa.
"The win in 1974 is what made those players legends. That's what we are here to do," he said.
"If we could win a Test series in South Africa it would be the pinnacle of our careers. To come here and win is what legends are made of."
The Lions scored six tries in their opening game in New Zealand four years ago and 18 in Perth in 2001. O'Connell is hoping for a good start, with players like Ospreys duo Shane Williams and Tommy Bowe getting the ball into their hands as often as possible.
"We want the individuals to come to the fore - we want the flair players to show what they can do," he said. "But the way the last two weeks have gone there is no fear of the players playing as individuals."
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