Edinburgh team-mate and scrum-half Mike Blair is also on the bench as the Magners League are represented by 10 of the starting XV at Newlands.
And just days after Scotland A's triumph over France A in Bucharest, Ford believes new national coach Andy Robinson's first piece of silverware will galvanise his home country.
Ford, 25, said: "It's great news for Scotland and Andy who has just taken over and come into the squad. As players, it's excellent for us and a nice boost for the Scottish lads here in South Africa."
Ford has made four appearances on the 2009 Lions tour in the wins over the Golden Lions, Free State Cheetahs, Western Province and Southern Kings. But now the front-rower is desperate to impress Lions coach Ian McGeechan by putting his hand up for the number two jersey.
Ford added: "It's a last opportunity to stake a claim and to get in the Test team is the biggest goal.
"Personally it would be the highlight of my career and the biggest honour and hopefully a good step forward for Scottish rugby.
"I have really enjoyed the tour and learned a lot from it. I've got a bigger appreciation of the game now after working with different coaches and it's given me an all-round view of the game.
"In every game on the tour it's been a challenge. The intensity and standards will have to be high. Everyone has to be switched on in the scrum. It's an eight-man job and a squad effort here."
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