Share

McMahon makes case for Oz chance

Birmingham - Flanker Sean McMahon produced an outstanding two-try display against Uruguay to press for selection in Australia's crunch England-Wales double header.

But such is the Wallabies' embarrassment of backrow riches, the 21-year-old Melbourne Rebels player faces a fight for inclusion in the match-day 23 at Twickenham on Saturday.

McMahon was the star performer as the Wallabies crushed Uruguay 65-3 to go top of Pool A on points difference from Wales.

The flanker opened the scoring with a neatly taken peel-away try off the back of a dominant maul. He sealed his brace in similar fashion in the second-half.

But it was more his abrasive free-running role in midfield and constant harrying of the Uruguyan half-backs that caught the eye in a vintage openside flanker's masterclass.

"It's pretty exciting," McMahon said after picking up the man-of-the-match award.

"It's my first World Cup game. It's like dreams are becoming reality for me.

"Now to get to the World Cup and get a man-of-the-match performance in front of such a great crowd is unbelievable."

But Australia have inestimable strength in the backrow.

Against Fiji, coach Michael Cheika opted for two opensides in Michael Hooper and David Pocock complimented by the rugged Scott Fardy at blindside.

That trio bonded fantastically, Pocock driven over for two tries in an outstanding performance.

With two-try Ben McCalman also playing well on the blindside against Uruguay, Cheika will have a lot to ponder ahead of the final pool matches against England and Wales, both at Twickenham.

"There's a few players that definitely put their hand up for selection," said Cheika.

"In the areas I wanted those players to make an improvement in, in particular. We'll make an assessment this afternoon about our selections going forward."

Cheika added of McMahon: "It's getting a bit ridiculous really because every man of the match is seven or eight!

"Sean McMahon's initial selection was for a certain reason and he's certainly bringing that and he's fulfilling his role within the team and when he gets his opportunity to play for Australia he needs to cherish that because not everyone gets that chance.

"We've got some pretty influential players in those (backrow) positions, but as long as he's there rattling their cage that will keep them honest and that will keep him honest as well going forward.

"I was very pleased and proud of his performance because he knows those guys are there and he's just got to keep taking it to them."

Prop Scott Sio said the fact that the Wallabies had put out two different teams for their two games was great for competition for places.

"I think that's what the two months in the Rugby Championship were all about, building that depth in each position," Sio said.

"No one has a lock on any position. Anyone could play there and we know they'd get the job done. Some of the guys that didn't play in the first game really stepped up and played well today."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE