Finegan recall could ignite test short fuse

COFFS HARBOUR - The Wallabies proved they were shaping up for a rugged battle against the British Lions when they recalled bruising flanker Owen Finegan from suspension yesterday for Saturday's first rugby test in Brisbane.

The Brumbies enforcer has not played since he was banned for five weeks for rucking the head of Wallaby team-mate Michael Foley in the Super 12 semifinal against Queensland, but his inclusion suggested the Australians were bracing for what could be an explosive test.

Finegan was one of three changes made to the 22-man squad from the side who played New Zealand Maori on June 9, with Matt Cockbain and Joe Roff recalled from injury.

Following the tourists' violent match against New South Wales on Saturday, in which one player was sent off and five were banished to the sin bin, and the ongoing off-field brawl as both camps exchange accusations of foul play and conspiracies, there's only a short fuse attached to Saturday's test at the Gabba.

Finegan, however, said no player could afford to allow the animosity between the teams to boil over into violence.

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

Finegan's suspension ended last week, but even while banned he was permitted to train with the Wallabies in their Coffs Harbour camp.

To allow for the return of flankers Finegan and Cockbain and winger Roff, Super 12 player of the year Phil Waugh, Mark Connors and Graeme Bond were dropped from the team who beat the Maori in the Wallabies' only lead-up match to the three-test series.

Props Nick Stiles and Ben Darwin were named in their first Australian test squad and will be in line for their first cap when the starting XV is announced tomorrow.

The biggest 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.

While Australia was able to call in Finegan and Cockbain to their 22, the Lions have lost backrower Lawrence Dallaglio for the tour.

The former England captain injured his knee last month and was a doubtful tourist until days before the party left Britain. He appeared to aggravate the injury in the win over New South Wales.

Tour manager Donal Lenihan said Ireland flanker David Wallace, in a training camp with the Irish in Poland, would fly out to replace Dallaglio.

He is the fifth player to leave the tour through injury, following Mike Catt, Dan Luger, Simon Taylor and Phil Greening.

In addition, Will Greenwood has been ruled out of the test and the England centre may struggle to make the two remaining internationals.

The latest blows come on top of news that Keith Wood, the Ireland hooker, also has a knee problem.

That leaves the Lions with only one fit hooker, Gordon Bulloch, because Welshman Robin McBryde has aggravated a bruised right thigh. England's Dorian West has been sent for as a replacement.

The tourists have a final hit-out against New South Wales Country at Coffs Harbour tonight before announcing their test team tomorrow.

New South Wales Country: Nathan Croft, Vuli Tailasa, Ryan Macdougal, Warwick Crosby, Kieren Shepherd, Chris Doyle, Rod Petty; Bernie Klasen, Craig Taylor, Ben Wright, David Lubans, Brent Dale, Matt Bowman, James McCormack, Angus Baldwin. Reserves: Matt Brown, Matt Ellis, David Banovich, Darel Thomas, John Vaalotu, Gordon Refshauge, Darren Dimmock.

Lions: Iain Balshaw, Ben Cohen, Mark Taylor, Scott Gibbs, Tyrone Howe, Neil Jenkins, Austin Healey, Colin Charvis, Martyn Williams, Martin Corry, Malcolm O'Kelly, Jeremy Davidson, David Young (capt), Gordon Bulloch, Jason Leonard. Reserves: To be confirmed.

Australian squad: Matthew Burke, Elton Flatley, George Gregan, Nathan Grey, Daniel Herbert, Chris Latham, Stephen Larkham, Joe Roff, Andrew Walker, Chris Whitaker, Matt Cockbain, Ben Darwin, Owen Finegan, John Eales (capt), Michael Foley, David Giffin, Toutai Kefu, David Lyons, Glenn Panoho, Jeremy Paul, George Smith, Nick Stiles.

- AGENCIES