The Melbourne Rebels are still unclear on the severity of flanker Sean McMahon’s hip injury suffered in their one-point Super Rugby win over the Chiefs.
The young Wallaby was assisted from AAMI Park in obvious pain after injuring his hip at the breakdown on Saturday night.
McMahon tried to play on and showed his courage to pull down a Chiefs player who had the line in sight, but he collapsed in pain and needed to be replaced in the 30th minute.
The good news was that the 20-year-old didn’t require hospital treatment, although on Sunday the Rebels were still unsure of how serious the injury was and whether it would put his Super Rugby season or World Cup later this year in doubt.
“He is in a fair bit of pain, he is a pretty tough lad so we’ll wait and see how he goes,” Rebels coach Tony McGahan said post-match.
The 16-15 win over the dual Super Rugby champions equalled their best-ever season performance with six rounds still to play and put the Rebels in 10th on the competition ladder.
But they still have to make the trip to South Africa to play the conference-leading Stormers as well as the Sharks.
In a physical match, McGahan hailed his team’s patience and improved discipline this season, led by captain Scott Higginbotham.
The Wallaby backrower finished last season as the most penalised player in the competition, but he and the team had worked hard on the problem.
Against the Chiefs they conceded just seven penalties – half their opponents’ total while the Chiefs also had two yellow cards.
“I thought our discipline was excellent and we’ve been excellent all year,” McGahan said.
“We’re averaging about eight penalities a game which is a good number to have.”
Chiefs winger James Lowe will appear before a SANZAR duty judicial officer after receiving his third yellow card for the season.
Lowe was yellow-carded after he appeared to kick out at Rebels centre Tamati Ellison in the 34th minute.
Billy Bob
Guest
Great news. Tim Horan (or was it Kafe) said it was a just stinger in commentary. I hope they are right It looked like a broken leg at the time.
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks RT. Good news for Oz Rugby
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Update .... According to report by Melissa Woods on ninemsn, Sean McMahon's injury does not appear to be too serious, which if correct is great news..... to quote opening remarks ... "The Melbourne Rebels are confident Sean McMahon won't be sidelined for long after the star flanker was cleared of a serious hip injury.......... "
Rollaway7
Roar Guru
Yep thats something most of the current Wallabies lack... Cheka should have been at this game as Wallaby coach. Jordy also played his heart out, lots of guts in the rebels team. The three home game losses at the start is costing them now. They will have to win with bonus point their raining matches BUT I don't think they will make the finals. They should aim to finish within the top ten, hold on to their players and start hard next year. Recruit Thor from SA to replace out going Higgers. Next year with lots of Wallabies going OS the rebels will be a young experienced side.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Saw that PM.. very courageous... actually got back into the line, on their line, hard on defence, obviously in pain but took his post, prepared to put himself back into the fray, not wanting to let his team (mates) down. Please for him that in fact he was not needed to make a tackle but guts personified... I'll bet his team mates would have been proud to have him in their side.
PM
Guest
Pure guts and determination should put the young fellow McMahon in the WC team. It is not about size it is about giving everything you have for your team and country. This lad shows it every time he runs on the field. He has no fear or respect for his own body. Incredible young man. 20 years of age, how good is he going to become over the next few years. Got to say watched the Rebels V Chiefs on the weekend and to see this young fellow drag himself back into the defensive line clearly distressed and still tackle tells me that he has what it takes.