Flanker Owen Finegan returned from a five-week suspension on Monday to be named in the Australian Wallabies' side to play the British and Irish Lions in the first Test on Saturday.

And he immediately promised to be on his best behaviour at Brisbane. Finegan was one of three changes to the side that beat the New Zealand Maoris 41-29 two weeks ago.

Queensland Reds flanker Matt Cockbain, who returns after a skin infection, and ACT Brumbies winger Joe Roff, who has recovered from an ankle injury, were the other two.

Finegan, banned for five weeks for stomping on the head of Queensland Reds hooker and fellow Wallaby Michael Foley in the Super 12 semifinals in May, said neither side would be able to afford any lack of discipline.

"This is going to be close and could be won by one point or two, the players can't afford to have any ill discipline in the game, 10 minutes in the sin bin could be the difference between winning and losing the series," the ACT Brumbies flanker said.

"The Lions came over here with the reputation of having a very physical forward pack, they're playing the game very physically and they've really been taking the game to the opposition but when it comes to a Test match, there's a lot more at stake.

"This is a bit of a showcase for world rugby so the players will be just going out there concentrating on their rugby. There's been a lot of hype about the physical nature of the game but as a player you just concentrate on playing rugby."

Australia are set to play an untried pair of props against the Lions with Nick Stiles from Queensland and Ben Darwin from ACT set to make their Test debut. Stiles started the match at loosehead prop against the New Zealand Maori, with Glen Panoho at tighthead, scoring a try, while Darwin came on as a replacement.

"I'm honoured to be in the 22 for this historic series," said Stiles. "It will be something special to run out in my home town for the biggest match of my life so far."

Wallaby coach Rod Macqueen said in spite of the injury problems that have hit the Lions - culminating in former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio becoming the fifth tourist forced out this weekend - he expected a tough series.

"This is the toughest challenge the Wallabies have faced, but the preparation and the attitude of the players has been outstanding," Macqueen said. "We believe it will be a great series."

His biggest selection issue surrounding the starting side is whether Matt Burke can regain his place on the wing ahead of Andrew Walker while Finegan and Cockbain will be battling for the blindside flanker's place. - Sapa-AFP