The Ospreys flyer is the only uncapped member of a hugely experienced Wales side, joining George North and Leigh Halfpenny in the back three.
Warburton leads the side with Rhys Priestland and Dan Lydiate returning from injury to start at fly half and flanker respectively.
Cardiff Blues prop Gethin Jenkins will win his 99th international cap at loose-head alongside the experienced Ospreys pair of Adam Jones and Richard Hibbard. But it’s the inclusion of fellow Liberty Stadium man Walker which has caught Warburton’s attention.
“I’m really excited for Eli. All the Ospreys guys can’t speak highly enough of him and from what I’ve seen in training, he’s an immense athlete and exceptionally quick,” said the Wales captain.
“You only need to give him a little bit of space and he can finish off anything. It’s great because our back line has been quite consistent for the last few years and Warren has said we need guys to compete for that starting place. Eli is definitely one of them and he’s really excited.
“There’s no need for him to panic. He’s got great guys around him and it’s been done many times before. George (North) got chucked in at the deep end against South Africa, Liam Williams did it last autumn and these guys handle it really well. I’m sure Eli will be great.”
Wales return to the Millennium Stadium on Saturday for the first time since their 30-3 defeat of England last March. In the meantime, Warburton lead the British Lions to a series victory in Australia and is targeting another big scalp over the next four weeks.
“Until we beat a southern hemisphere side I don’t think we can call ourselves contenders for the World Cup,” he added.
“That’s why it’s so important we do it now because the long term building starts this autumn. We’ve been building for two or three years and now all 23 boys will go out and expect to win on Saturday. There will be no massive celebrations if we do, we feel that’s what is expected of us.
“We’ve had a really relaxed couple of weeks training so far. Last week was probably the best first week a lot of the guys had been involved with from a national point of view. We were picking things up really easily and the new guys have come in and done well.”
Wales’ last meeting with South Africa saw the Springboks edge the 2011 Rugby World Cup opener by a single point. Warburton believes Saturday’s game will be similarly close and is relishing the physical challenge ahead.
“The last few games we’ve had against South Africa have been very close,” said the Cardiff Blues man.
“I’ve played against them twice, the first was only my second start for Wales and I played against Francois Louw. I think he’s one of the best in world rugby, he’s an outstanding player.
“If he’s involved that will be a great battle and I’ve always loved playing South Africa. It’s personal when teams want to come to your home stadium and want to impose themselves physically.
“I know all the Welsh guys will love that challenge.”
Tickets to see Wales in action at the Millennium Stadium in the 2013 Dove Men Series – against South Africa, Argentina, Tonga and Australia – on consecutive weekends from 9th November are available online at www.wru.co.uk/tickets – prices from £25, £10 concession.
Wales Dove Men Series 2013 fixtures:
Wales v South Africa – Saturday, 9 November, Kick-Off 5.30pm – £70 / £60 / £40 / £25
Wales v Argentina – Saturday, 16 November, Kick-Off 2.30pm – £40 / £30 / £10 concession (U16) /£70 Family ticket 2 adults + 2 concession
Wales v Tonga – Friday, 22 November, Kick-Off 7.30pm – £25 / £10 concession/ £60 Family ticket 2 adult + 2 concession/ Minis/Juniors/Schools offer, with every 8 concessions purchased 2 adult tickets free
Wales v Australia – Saturday, 30 November, Kick-Off 5.00pm – £70 / £60 / £40 / £25
