Rugby World Cup 2015: Flanker Sean McMahon may only play one game but is vital to Wallabies cause

HE’S the irrepressible force that could prove vital to the Wallabies’s World Cup hopes. But he is also likely watch most of Australia’s games in a suit.

Pic of Sean McMahon.Wallabies training at Kippax Lakes field where the Roosters train opposite Allianz Stadium

HE’S the irrepressible force that could prove vital to the Wallabies’s World Cup hopes.

But he is also a player who’ll likely watch most of Australia’s games in a suit.

So goes the curious case of Wallabies flanker Sean McMahon, whose influence on the Australian squad and their mission to Bring Back Bill has been hailed despite the fact he may only get to play one game at the World Cup.

McMahon, 21, is the former Australian sevens player and Melbourne Rebels forward who was among the last picked by Michael Cheika in the Wallabies’ World Cup squad.

Though he can play all three back row spots — and debuted at no. 6 for the Wallabies last year — McMahon is the size of a no. 7 at Test level and is thus stuck behind Michael Hooper and David Pocock.

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Accordingly, McMahon didn’t get a minute in the Rugby Championship this year but such was his ferocity in training, Cheika found room for him in his World Cup squad.

Unleashed against the USA two weeks ago in Chicago at no. 7, McMahon was a beast and won man of the match.

McMahon has been a positive influence within the training camp.

“He is one bloke you really don’t want to cross paths on a training field, he goes that hard. He doesn’t really care,” Wallabies prop James Slipper said.

Cheika has made the Wallabies training paddock a version of the Thunderdome: players are essentially pitted against each other on a daily basis and selection calls are often based on what the coach sees.

“No punches have been thrown, but it has been physical, I will say that,” Slipper explains.

“Obviously spots are up for grabs and everyone is trying to put their hand up.”

Even with the roadblock of Pocock and Hooper, McMahon grinds harder and longer than most and Slipper says that sets a standard for all.

“He is 100 per cent committed. It rubs off on other players, especially older ones, who see him running around,” Slipper says.

McMahon’s personality off the pitch is equally as infectious in the Wallabies environment, Slipper adds.

“He is also the larrikin of the team so it is quite funny to be around him. Blokes enjoy his presence, that’s for sure,” Slipper said.

“He’s young, he’s fit, he’s got no injuries — it kills me looking at him. Me and him have gotten along (well) since he has come into camp, it’s been fun. I have enjoyed hanging out with him quite a bit. He reminds me of myself ... ten years ago.”

McMahon is likely to play against Uruguay but it is hard to see Cheika having the ability to field three sevens in a 23-man side also containing Hooper and Pocock, with line out options needed on the bench.

It remains to be seen whether McMahon joins that unlucky group of top athletes whose otherwise long careers stall behind superstars (think Stuart MacGill, Peter Slattery, Chris Whitaker or even Liam Gill).

“It’s hard for Seanny, as a young 21-year-old he is sitting behind Hooper and Pocock, two of the best sevens in the world, and Hoops is 24 and Poey is 27,” Slipper said.

“But there are plenty more years.”

Even at this World Cup, McMahon’s presence will be important, he added.

“You are after a balance in a squad and Seanny definitely brings that. Players like that are really important in a tournament.”

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Originally published as Rugby World Cup 2015: Flanker Sean McMahon may only play one game but is vital to Wallabies cause