Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has selected Melbourne Rebels flanker Sean McMahon to make his debut in the side to face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
Cheika will run out the youngest player in his squad against the Dragons, along with fellow inclusion Ben McCalman to replace the injured Scott Higginbotham and Scott Fardy.
The 20-year-old is coming off a stellar year in which he was awarded the Super Rugby Rookie of the Year Award and Australian Under 20s Player of the Year, and is set to make his first Test appearance following a run in last weekend’s 40-36 win over the Barbarians in London.
“Going into the Barbarians match it was made clear that players had an opportunity to push their way into the Test team with a strong performance,” Cheika said.
“Sean made the most of his opportunity and brought great work-rate and physicality to our game.
“This selection also recognises the outstanding year he has had at all levels of the game, and he thoroughly deserves the chance to debut for Australia.”
Western Force prop Tetera Faulkner could also earn his first international cap after being named on the bench.
Nick Phipps will feature in the starting lineup while Will Genia and Quade Cooper will make their first Test appearances of the year off the pine. Bernard Foley and Christian Lealiifano will make up the starting five-eighth-inside centre partnership.
“I’ve been really pleased with attitude and commitment of the team and by how they have embraced a new environment and way of doing things,” Cheika said Thursday.
“Everyone has worked really hard on preparing themselves in the best possible way, and we’re all excited about the opportunity to represent Australia and give our absolute best on Saturday.”
Wallabies squad v Wales: Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Leali’ifano, Joe Tomane, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Ben McCalman, Michael Hooper (capt), Sean McMahon, Rob Simmons, Sam Carter, Sekope Kepu, Saia Fainga’a, James Slipper. Reserves: James Hanson, Tetera Faulkner, Ben Alexander, James Horwill, Will Skelton, Matt Hodgson, Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Rob Horne (one to be omitted).
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
