McMahon ready for Wallabies: Rebels coach

According to Wayne Smith at the Australian: ’It is understood McMahon had been disenchanted with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, who handed him his Test debut against Wales on the 2014 spring tour. Although Cheika raves about McMahon’s ferocity in training, hailing him as a model for the physicality he wants in the Wallabies, he has started McMahon in only 10 of the 31 Tests of which he has been in charge of the Australian team.’ I agree, though, that I doubt McMahon is feeling particularly supported by the ARU, and is probably doubting how supportive he should be of Australian rugby. If he leaves it will be a sad, sad day.

Fionn, if that's the case you can thank Pulver and Clyne for that. The thought that we could lose one of the most promising youngsters in some time - Aus SR player of the year 2016 at age 22 - due to the ineptitude of the ARU board really hurts. I'm expecting to see quite a few announced departures from all 5 clubs in the next month or so before the European transfer window concludes. Obviously the insecurity at the Force and Rebels would be monstrous for anyone who isn't a Wallaby but also any young fringe players at the other 'safe' clubs who might lose their spot to a someone from the team that is cut. There's going to be 20% less permanent contracts up for grabs once the whole thing rolls over that means players from all clubs will be cut. Teams might opt to take ready made players to drop in at the expense of younger guys with potential to be great in a couple of years. The safe option might be to go overseas and forgo any possibility of higher honours and just play out a career in the UK/France/Japan on a decent and stable wicket.

Apparently McMahon is about to sign with Japan anyway.

MitchO, Many have become confused as to what A Wallaby 8 looks like. Because most of the time, Hoops is off picking up daisies and open field stats, Chieka needs a 7/8 to pick up the slack, Someone to run the ball from the base as well as doing the Number 7 Duties. Higgers is a traditional full service 8 but probably won't fit in his Michael Blooper game plan because he doesn't have the speed and agility needed in the vacant 7 duties. Hardwick is a 7 shadowing Hodgeson. He is a team player and fills in the back row wherever he is needed. He isn't the ball runner Cheika needs Is Naisarani eligible? I know Mafi isn't. Smith/Alcock-Higgers-Fardy with Ross Haylett Petty doing the utility 5/6 off the bench would get my vote. I don't think Tui is eligable.

DaveR, I like your selection spirit but I some of your stipulations are a little oppressive. Look at Reece Hodge, He established himself as a Wallaby 12 but he is currently playing fullback because that is what his team needs him to do. Should he be overlooked because he is a utility and a team player? Same with Ross Haylett-Petty, he has been playing 4 or 5 for the last month or so because the Force has lost 3 of their locks. Great in the line out and in the rucks and mauls but not a world class lock. But certainly better than Mumm as a 5/6 utility . I do agree, though, all players should have established credentials playing in the position they are selected for gold. For me they need to be in form and proven themselves after injury.

DaveR I am okay with Higgers getting another shot. No one number 8 has put their hand up. I am sure a few of us are disappointed that Timani hasn't been able to play there this season. I think Hardwick (Force) and McMahon are both a bit small for number 8 but then McMahon may end up at 6 pretty soon.

MitchO, Fionn, Higginbothan in devastating form last Sat, hard to understand how he was passed over for the Wallabies so many times in the last few years. A strong roving No8.

Agree with Bison. I like Meakes for 12. He may not be flashy but he is the inside centre we wanted Godwin to be. Plugs a big hole in the midfield. Adds some toughness and some very good second phase. Kerevi is one of our best attacking centres but good defense is absolutely critical which is why I still like Kuridrani. He lacks attack but I think he is back doing his thing. If Nathan Grey can teach Kerevi to defend at 13 then that will be good. He is such an attacking threat you'd hate to leave him out. I know Coleman has been injured much of the season but if he stays healthy then he is required. Arnold from ACT is another. The second row should be him and Coleman. I reckon Carter has earned this spot in the 23. He is a bit of a Simmons but has shown good leadership for mine and marshalls the ACT pack quite well. Fardy is not dead or overseas yet so he has to remain in the reckoning. One good thing the Force have shown this year is that is great to have such a tall lineout. Coleman and Arnold in the Second Row with RHP at blindside. I reckon RHP needs to be called into the Wallaby squad. Not so the 23 yet but they need to get him in there just in case he is a true Fardy replacement.

Exactly. No one should simply get handed a jumper but I reckon I'd back McMahon to do everything humanly possible to put himself in contention for the #6 or #20.

Billy Meakes

I know he has to prove himself but based on what we all know about his abilities, character and work ethic, I'd back McMahon to be up to scratch in time to play in at least the final June test against Italy, if not earlier.

I basically agree, Dave, he probably wouldn't make my 15 currently, maybe not even my 23. Who do you play at 12?

Fionn, how many games at each position has he played for the Waratahs for the 12 rounds so far this season?

First picked for Randwick at 15? I dunno, Randwick have a few handy players, it might be hard for Izzy to crack the team on form.

Skelton.... is this Cheika under the guise of Nat. Boof Skelton was, is and never will be Wallaby material. The same goes for Mumm (surprised he's not in the list). Rory Arnold or his brother with Coleman. Kerevi has poor passing skills. Keep him at 13 and no closer. Would have Hunt 12 for the June tests verse Italy and Fiji. DHP no 15 with Hodge on wing Beale to go back and start at club footy to prove himself. Players of same skill but more loyalty available. Grudgingly Genia cause the alternatives are 2nd rate. Cooper worries me greatly. Foley is no better. Is DHP an option. As Larkam was plucked from 15 to 10 with great success... is this an option?

Read McGahns words carefully and ignore the misleading title of this article. It says he will be ready It doesn't say he is ready, nor will be selected. But I agree, a player injured for so long needs to prove his worth with current form before he gets a gold jersey ARE YOU LISTENING TO THIS CHEIKA!

Izzy first picked at 15.

So select neither then?

Does that mean Izzy wouldn't make your team rather than playing on the wing? Who is 12?

Nate, pretty much agree with your picks today, but we have a while to go before the internationals are upon us. Here are my rules for picking Wallabies: 1. Must have played and excelled in one specialised position all SR season; 2. Must have played all (most) SR rounds, ie no significant injuries; 3. Can only be picked in their specialised position; Of course, I would accept similar qualifications from someone playing in the northern hemisphere, but only if they continue to play the intensity of rugby from the completion of the NH competitions (finished last weekend) up until the tests. I wonder how many Wallabies will meet these criteria?