ETW: Earn the Weekend
It's the motto inscribed on the body of backrower Sean McMahon and what's driving the Wallabies ahead of Saturday's clash with Argentina in Townsville, eager to continue their strong performances after a 'humbling' review.
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McMahon made his return to Wallabies camp last week and is pushing for selection, hoping to end a four-year drought.
His Suntory teammate Samu Kerevi gave an insight into his character and what's driving the Wallabies, looking to continue their recent success.
"Oh he's very mad," Kerevi told Big Sports Breakfast.
"He has a saying 'ETW', and he has it tattooed on himself. He understands the amount of work that has to be put in each week to earn a couple of orange juices at the end of the week.
"For him mentally, when he steps onto the field, 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.
"He's been awesome to have come into the group and respecting the foundations Dave Rennie has set amongst the boys. He's just putting in work and whether he earns selection or not, he's contributing like all the other non-23 players and he's really enjoying himself."
A win on Saturday against Argentina would be the side's first three-game run since 2017.
However, talks of a winning streak are far from their minds even after the impressive performance according to Kerevi, who revealed the side is remaining level-headed, helped by a 'humbling' review session.
"I think the staff have done a great job in humbling us every time we come in for a review,' he believes.
"The boys are obviously going really well and we've taken a lot of lessons and learnings from the games against the All Blacks, they're playing some great footy this year so we've taken learnings and I think the biggest thing is implementing those lessons.
"There were a lot of hard work that went into the performances against South Africa, not just with the players but also the staff, the sacrifices everyone is making I think everyone is recognising that so when we step on the field, we just want to put on a great performance."
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This has been helped by having experienced guys around the youthful squad, with Kerevi believing the likes of Quade Cooper, Michael Hooper and James Slipper have helped keep their heads level as they prepare for Argentina.
"For us, It is that mental battle; winning or losing, it's about staying at that right arousal levels, playing at that mid level, understand we're not trying to fire up for a 'big' game and not for a 'small' game," he added.
"Every game is very important but we have to come with the same mental, physical preparation which has been a big learning for this group.."
