McMahon hones focus
WALLABIES hardman Sean McMahon isn’t ruling out a return for the 2019 Rugby World Cup as he prepares for a twoyear stint in Japan.
Much to coach Michael Cheika’s disappointment, McMahon is set to link up with Wallabies great George Smith in Suntory for the 2018 and 2019 seasons, seemingly ruling him out of the next global showpiece – also in Japan.
Cheika is on record as vowing to “get his contract torn up over there”, so desperate is the coach to keep the firebrand back-rower in Australian rugby.
McMahon was non-committal yesterday when asked ahead of Sunday’s Rugby Championship showdown with the Pumas in Mendoza if the World Cup was on his radar.
“You never know. We’ll see what happens when the time comes,” he said. “For now, I’m just focused on what’s ahead this weekend and that’s a strong Argentinian team.”
With the countdown on before he departs for Japan, McMahon, 23, admits he’s intent on making the most of his last opportunities – for two years at least – in the Australian gold.
“I’m just trying to make sure that I do what I can in that gold jersey,” he said.
The incumbent No.8 has been one of Australia’s standout performers in 2017.
“He was truly outstanding. He gave it everything,” Cheika said after the loss in Dunedin.
“That’s why I’ll be aiming all guns (blazing) towards Japan to try and get his contract torn up over there.”