Sean McMahon is happy to be the everywhere man in the Wallabies backrow, as he works his way back from injury.
McMahon has played blindside and openside for the Rebels and, more recently, stepped into number eight as a replacement for David Pocock at Test level.
That spot at the back of the scrum looks likely to be his regular position with Pocock off on a sabbatical and it’s one Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is keen for the 22-year-old to hone.
“He's kind of said continue to build all those areas but to really focus on that because I haven't had a lot of work in the eight area, especially back in the Super club or here [in the Wallabies],” he said.
“It's really just training that I'm getting the knowledge that's needed to learn that position.
“I just keep trying to build it here and if Cheik continues to give me the opportunities in that spot then I'm just going to have to take them.”
McMahon’s chance to stake a more permanent claim on the number eight jersey was cruelled by an ankle syndesmosis injury, that cut short his Pretoria Test.
He was pragmatic about that turn of events, though, taking the rehab in his stride.
“It just seems to be a bit of a story of your life sometimes,” he said.
“You get that opportunity and you get knocked down but I guess the biggest part of that is just getting back up and not letting it keep me down and continue to push for a potential starting opportunity somewhere along the line.
“If I get that opportunity then you've just got to take it with both hands and have a go again.”
McMahon’s desire to make an impact was clear as he attempted to play on in the game but ultimately had to be replaced.
“As much as I wanted to stay on, I needed to let someone else on there that could do the job and get it done,” he said.
McMahon is confident in a Spring Tour return, a five-week trip that the flanker said loomed as an opportunity for some more new Wallabies faces.
“I tore the front of it, so I did a best case situation in regards to the syndesmosis, didn't go all the way through it which means it didn't require surgery.”
“[I’m] aiming for Spring Tour definitely want to try and get some more game time over there, I think it might be a great opportunity.
“Cheik might be blooding the boys a bit more, which might mean a bit more game time in that area, especially in the grand slam.”
