The Wallabies will unleash tenacious flanker Sean McMahon on an injury-ravaged Wales as they go into Saturday’s World Cup shootout with top spot in Pool A on the line.
The fiery Rebels star, who will occupy the No.7 jersey at Twickenham in place of suspended vice-captain Michael Hooper, beat fellow back-rower Ben McCalman to the starting lineup against Wales in one of three changes from the team that thrashed England last Saturday.
In the only change not forced by injury or suspension, lock Dean Mumm joins Kane Douglas in the Wallabies’ second-row with Rob Simmons dropped.
Joining him in the starting XV is winger Drew Mitchell, Australia’s most prolific World Cup tryscorer with 12, who takes the left wing spot from the injured Rob Horne (shoulder).
Star backs Israel Folau and Matt Giteau have overcome ankle and rib injuries respectively to be named.
Coach Michael Cheika has made it clear throughout the tournament how impressed he is with young McMahon – who has won man-of-the-match honours in his past two games, against Uruguay a fortnight ago and the USA in a pre-World Cup warm-up clash.
McMahon’s selection also minimises the selection shake-up for the Wallabies – had Cheika gone with McCalman, it would’ve likely forced David Pocock out of the No.8 jersey.
While the openside flanker role is Pocock’s preferred position, he’s grown immensely in the No.8 role and will certainly end up back there when Hooper returns from his one-game ban in time for the quarter-finals.
Wales have deployed a starting backrow that includes their own ball-hunting duo of Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric to counter the Wallabies’ fearsome backrow.
“Tipuric is a fantastic player,” Cheika said.
“We respect their players massively and we have to make sure we isolate and try to get onto our ball.”
The Wallabies intend to use the Wales clash to further refine their approach before the knock-out games.
“Every match in this tournament has required our team to step up to another level and we’ll need to do that again against an undefeated Welsh team,” Cheika said.
“Every player in our squad knows the improvements required, and we still have two days to continue to make them, both individually and as a team.
“Saturday night at Twickenham is another opportunity for us to put in a solid performance and continue to build towards the next stage of the tournament.”
Australia
Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, David Pocock, Sean McMahon, Scott Fardy, Dean Mumm, Kane Douglas, Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore (capt), Scott Sio. Res: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Greg Holmes, Rob Simmons, Ben McCalman, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Kurtley Beale.
Wales
Gareth Anscombe; Alex Cuthbert, George North, Jamie Roberts, Liam Williams; Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies; Taulupe Faletau, Justin Tipuric, Sam Warburton (capt); Alun Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris; Samson Lee, Scott Baldwin, Paul James. Res: Ken Owens, Aaron Jarvis, Tomas Francis, Jake Ball, Ross Moriarty, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Priestland, James Hook.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
There's a difference between being a utility (fit the physical and positional requirements of multiple positions) and being a 6/8 in the body of a 7.
Doylz1
Guest
Agree. AAC has been utility player for how long? Still seems to stay in the team for his versatility. This dosen't take anything away from him.
cs
Roar Guru
I expect that his earlier outings will keep him in good stead, but are as if nothing compared to the weight of this occasion.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Odd statement. It's not his first start. It's not his first start at a RWC. It's not even his first start against Wales in fact.
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
Red Kev, support the Crusaders. No need to change your name. The Force wear blue which means changing your name to Blue Kev with Red Undies. Nowhere near as catchy. On a tangent, if a smurf bleeds, is its blood blue?
cs
Roar Guru
Maybe it's a debate for Monday. For now, the kid's obviously worked damned hard to get his chance in the big time. A great moment for the young fella, and I hope he gives 'em hell.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
That's because they ignored the fact that he has been a strong scavenger in more seasons than he has not.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
It's not an inability to hold a position. It essentially is a body type that does not suit their type of play. It's actually a term I read used by Lee Grant, one of Green and Gold Rugby's most respected contributors. It's essentially a player that plays like a 6 or 8 but doesn't have the size of one. Size is not everything certainly, but you will struggle to find a 6 or 8 for a major nation that is shorter than 188cm and weighs any less than 108kg. McMahon is 184 and 100. 4cm is not a lot but that's next to the next smallest 6, with many being capable of playing lock. McMahon's problem will be his lack of breakdown prowess as at his size he really needs to be a 7. Especially with a weaker jumper in Pocock at 8. Hooper is widely criticised for a lack of breakdown work yet he had over 20 pilfered in last years super rugby and had the most in international rugby in 2013. McMahon's best season in that regard is on par with Hooper's worst ever. Does it mean McMahon is not an excellent player? No. It just means because of his body type he may not fit any defined role well which will make it difficult to excel in one of the most competitive positions (back row). Hoiles is a player I rate highly. Being 5cm too short and 5kg too light is what prevented him achieving in his career what his ability made him capable of.
cs
Roar Guru
Many a blogger came a cropper thinking Hooper was a notter before he was not a notter, so only a rotter or a pettifogger would want a lotta bother about what's a notter when it's gotta be who's the hotter.
Really
Guest
Train without a Station. I have never heard of the term "notter" before. In essence and in rugby terms, it means utility player. Your rationale that "notters" can't cut it because they can't hold down one position is short sighted and flawed. A rugby team is only as strong as the sum of its parts, 15 players perform intricate roles and to denigrate an international as a "notter" makes no sense . Utility players are invaluable because of injuries and send offs (penalties) and fill voids specialist players can't . Stephen Hoiles was a very well rounded rugby player who excelled in a number of positions, because he was not world class doesn't detract from his abilities and achievements as a professional player .. Guys who can play as a utility are often respected the most for there diversity and willingness to plug holes, they are definitely not deemed or perceived as "notters" . McMahon is a very gifted rugby player who does not definitely have to rely on size to be effective !
Paulo
Roar Rookie
I think Wales, on paper, looks stronger than England did, more evenly matched to us. If both teams play well, it should be a hellofagame! Worth waking in the middle of the night for. Sad Beale didn't get a look-in keeping the wing position, thought he did really well last week, including defence (but fair enough, Wales backline looks stronger and Hooper won't be there providing cover). Puzzled on Simmons, wonder if it's rotation or tactical. Hope Cheika brings him on early in the second half. Locks is possibly Wales best served position, so should be an interesting battle. I think Pocock is proving to be an excellent 8th, he has the size for it and is more mobile than most of his peers. If he's doing it well and will be there when Hooper comes back, better to let him continue to play in that position. That settles the Mc vs Mc question. Both are evenly matched, so let Pocock continue. Looking forward to some great rugby, bring it on! Go Wallabies!
Connor33
Guest
PK - I think Genia's experience give Oz the edge in the halves. Watch for a big game.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Cuthbert is in poor form and only injuries has allowed him back in. Folau and AAC have the edge with Mitchell and Williams being a draw at best. Wales halves have the edge, their lineout. Scrum and breakdwon could be even.
PeterK
Roar Guru
TWAS - The 2 teams was for the weaker teams. The finisher concept is alive and well and will be used for the rest of the matches, there is no need for 2 teams anymore. Is it that hard to comprehend the concept of a flexible tournament plan that has changes in it to suit, and not the one method throughout.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Holmes had a niggle and that was why he did not get anytime in the 2nd test. That was why Sio had to start and Smith played THP. If not for the niggle Smith and Holmes would have started. He did have 2 teams for 2 games.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Shane, Simmons is the last player that needs managing. He's played 8 Super Rugby games and started 4 tests with 1 bench appearance this year.
HarryT
Guest
Careful boys, or you will upset his Mum, and you don't want to do that. Just ask Link.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Yes you do. Stephen Hoiles is a "notter". He played 16 tests and over 100 Super Rugby caps. This was despite the fact that he was never and out and out 6, 7 or 8. "Notter" is a term used to describe players that don't have the breakdown prowess of what we consider to be a traditional openside, but lack the size and bulk of test 6 and 8 options. Plenty of "Notters" have played tests and had long and successful Super Rugby careers. None have ever been first choice test selections with all players fit and available though. You're argument is basically, "just because we haven't seen something it doesn't mean its' not possible". Which itself is not incorrect. But if we've never seen it, why would we ever expect it to happen? You certainly would never select a player on the basis you just hope they magically develop it. As for training prowess, games aren't played at training.
Mike Huber
Roar Pro
Yes, its as strong as there beer, Brains Bitter...........weak as Pi..ss !
Mike Huber
Roar Pro
I havent looked at any stats , but because he has " never" been a strong brake down present does not necessitate he can't be a wonderful pilferer . Cheika would not of picked him if he was a "notter".......The Wallably players would laugh you off the park saying he is a "notter" in the context of his training prowess . You don't get to this level if you can't interchangeable play 6 & 7.