'He's very mad': Kerevi lifts the lid on McMahon's Wallabies return
There is now a reminder in ink for those who need it.
But Samu Kerevi says the Wallabies have got the message loud and clear ahead of Saturday’s Rugby Championship test against Argentina.
“ETW” is inscribed on the body of returning back rower Sean McMahon in a nod to his “earn the weekend” mentality.
He is pushing for a berth against Los Pumas in Townsville alongside Kerevi, the Japan-based pair beneficiaries of Rugby Australia’s relaxing of the Giteau Law.
“Oh he’s very mad,” Kerevi told Big Sports Breakfast of the highly-competitive McMahon.
“He has a saying ‘ETW’, has it tattooed … he understands the amount of work that has to be put to earn a couple of orange juices at the end of the week.
“He doesn’t care what jersey he has on or who you are.
“He’s kind of like a raging bull; awesome to have on the team, but you’d never want to play against him.”
McMahon last played for Australia in 2017 and has watched as part of the extended squad for the last fortnight as the side twice dismantled world champions South Africa.
Their first back-to-back wins since 2019 pushed them from seventh to third in the world.
But with consecutive tests against Argentina followed by a European spring tour that includes a clash with Japan, the Wallabies aren’t getting complacent.
“Two good performances doesn’t make up for a couple of years of bad ones,” Wallabies halfback Nic White said.
Wallabies star Marika Koroibete has been labelled “the best winger in the world” following his efforts against the Springboks last weekend. #Wallabies https://t.co/u9RjL1CViJ
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 22, 2021
“A lot of hard work went into those two (wins), but if we think that’s going to set up another win we’re dreaming.
“There’s no short memories … we did have two draws last year (against Argentina) … we’re going to have to be at our best.”
A win on Saturday would be the side’s first three-game run since they won four in a row as part of a seven-game unbeaten stretch in 2017.
That was also the last time five-eighth Quade Cooper was marshalling the side, the No 10’s shock recall this month proving a masterstroke from coach Dave Rennie.
Kerevi said Cooper’s matured approach alongside 100-plus test veterans Michael Hooper and James Slipper was permeating through an otherwise youthful squad.
“A guy like Quade, who’s played over 70 tests, has had had a lot of growth in that area and for him it’s about staying at that same arousal level,” Kerevi said.
“It is that mental battle; (whether) winning or losing … playing at that mid level, understand we’re not trying to fire up for a ‘big’ game and not for a ‘small’ game.
“We have to come with the same preparation.”
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Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
16 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments