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If the hand injury to David Pocock wasn’t a bitter enough pill to swallow for the Wallabies, replacement Sean McMahon has been hit with the injury stick during Australia’s loss to the Springboks.
McMahon hit the deck in the first half of the 18-10 loss in Pretoria clutching at the ankle and took no part in the second half.
All the wash-up from Springboks vs Wallabies:
» SPIRO: Wallabies lost to back-to-the-future Boks
» LORD: Steyn’s boot sinks wasteful Wallabies
» The Wrap: Back to the future not for the better
» DIY Player Ratings results
» Five talking points
» What changes should the Wallabies make for Argentina?
» Match report: Wallabies fall short
» Re-live all the action with our live blog
» Watch highlights from the match
While he’s been taken away for scans, it’s expected to be revealed as ligament damage in the ankle, and he has been ruled out of the Wallabies’ next Rugby Championship match, against Argentina in London this weekend.
With the Championship ending injury to Pocock and now the McMahon dilemma, coach Michael Cheika is quickly running into a wall in terms of his forward pack.
So where to now? Who has No. 8 written all over them for the next Test? Who can Cheika go to?
Lopeti Timani
Timani has already poked his head out as favourite to take the spot, just one game into his international career.
While many expected the big Tongan born to play as a replacement second rower or a flexible flanker when brought into the squad, he’s raised his hand to slot in at the back of the scrum.
The 26-year-old has played five seasons of Super Rugby for the Waratahs and Rebels, but he’s really come into his own during the last two seasons with the Melbourne outfit, impressing enough to be picked in Cheika’s squad regardless of the McMahon injury.
Cheika may be inclined to select him simply as a case of blooding new talent, especially against Argentina who won’t pose the threat of New Zealand. It’s a game that the coach can bring Timani in and give him that run on experience so he’s ready if he’s moved around positions when McMahon or Pocock return.
Timani has all the attributes to take on the No. 8 role despite it not being his usual place in the pack, but his flexibility across the park could hurt him.
Cheika may want to leave him on the bench as a reliable impact player that can fill in almost anywhere in the forward pack. Being narrowed down to the one run on spot could be better for him, but not necessarily the team.
Scott Fardy
The man that replaced McMahon against the Proteas.
Fardy has had an interesting international career to say the least. He’s always been in and around the Wallabies side, but never been able to lock down that starting position and securing his spot as a certain selection for the coaches.
While not a normal No. 8, Fardy is a man that oozes consistency and effort, and that shined through against South Africa in the second half.
The 32-year-old has racked up plenty of caps in the green and gold, but his age means that his selection at eight isn’t likely to be a long term one.
In a way though, that’s what is most likely to get him over the line among the other options to replace McMahon.
McMahon has been touted as a very real long term option at No. 8 for the Wallabies despite the time frame on Pococks return, who is now expected to be shifted into flanker.
The injury to McMahon isn’t expected to be too serious, so if he comes back sooner rather than later, then he’s very likely to slot back into his role at the back of the scrum, pushing the temporary replacement back out.
Who better to put in there for just one or two games than Fardy? A player that is already deep in the squad regardless of position, and a player that can shift over to 8 and move back again with ease.
Ben McCalman
McCalman isn’t a part of the current squad overseas at the moment, but is more than a sufficient replacement if needed.
Currently plying his trade in the NRC, the Dubbo-born Western Force man has recovered well from a shoulder injury that has kept him off the park for a good chunk of the 2016 international calendar.
He’s one game off half a century of Wallaby appearances and has proven himself on the international stage on more than one occasion.
He’s a strong pick for Cheika with a tonne of experience, and has been back in top form for the Perth Spirit in the NRC after the aforementioned injury.
The issue here is that short time frame of McMahon’s injury though. Is it worth flying him over to London and bringing him into the side if the time frame for return is short?
In terms of talent and positional experience McCalman is most likely the best option for the No. 8 role compared to the other candidates, but the presence of Timani and his future progression could be the roadblock.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.