Rugby World Cup 2015: Sean McMahon a victim of Wallabies’ backrow embarrassment of riches

DEPTH of Wallabies backrow stocks highlighted by Sean McMahon winning a second straight Test man-of-the-match but with no real prospect keeping place.

Australia's Sean McMahon acknowledges the crowd after their 65-3 win in the Rugby World Cup Pool A match between Australia and Uruguay at Villa Park, Birmingham, England, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015. (AP Photo/Martin Cleaver)

THE “ridiculous” depth of the Wallabies backrow stocks was highlighted by Sean McMahon winning his second straight man-of-the-match in a Test — but having no real prospect of playing against England on Sunday.

McMahon, 21, was in dominant form at no. 7 against Uruguay, scoring two tries and playing with the fearsome physicality that not only won him the man-of-the-match in his last Test against the USA but has Wallaby players avoiding him at training for safety’s sake.

Only an inch or two behind McMahon was Force back rower Ben McCalman, who also starred at no. 6 with superb ball-carrying and his very own brace of tries as well.

Both performances were compelling auditions for a role against England but with brilliant flankers Michael Hooper and David Pocock already starting together, coach Michael Cheika effectively has his hands tied.

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Three no. 7s would leave Cheika short of a line out jumper, and while McCalman could potentially sneak onto the bench, he’s also likely to be overlooked a second lock on the bench.

“It’s getting a bit ridiculous because every man of the match we have is a seven or eight​,” Cheika said post-match.

“(McMahon’s​) selection initially was for a certain reason and he is fulfilling his role in the team, and when he gets the chance to play for Australia he needs to cherish that because not everybody gets that chance.

“Obviously we have got some pretty influential players in those positions but as long as he is there, rattling their cage, that will keep them honest and it will keep him honest too, going for them. I was very proud of his performance because he knows the guys are there and he has just got to keep taking it to them.”

McMahon said he was proud of his performance and the Wallabies’ win.

“A few meaties as well, I couldn’t be more happy,” he said.

​Asked about being stuck behind Pocock and Hooper, McMahon said: ​“They are two unbelievable players and I’m just working my way to try and eventually maybe get a spot there.”

​Teammates praised the attitude shown by McMahon and McCalman in the face of the Hooper-Pocock roadblock up ahead.

“It is a real testament to their character the way they carry themselves around that,” halfback Nick Phipps said.

“They are always there putting in good work and always making sure they’re doing whatever they can for the team to go well, no matter who is playing. We are quite lucky in the backrow at the moment. That’s the kind of depth we are trying to build in the whole squad.”

Drew Mitchell added: ​ “Anytime Seany has got the opportunity to wear the gold jersey he’s absolutely taken his opportunity. The way he goes about his game, the enthusiasm he takes into it and his intent around the field, it’s hard to think just how young he is.

“He looks really comfortable out there for a 21-year-old. It’s really good to see. He works really hard at training and obviously he’s got some experienced guys in and around him. He’s picking their brains and taking some stuff that he can, but he also brings his own flavour to the game which is really impressive. It’s good to see him being able to transfer that from the training field into the game.”

Originally published as Rugby World Cup 2015: Sean McMahon a victim of Wallabies’ backrow embarrassment of riches