Flanker McMahon to debut for Australia in Wales clash

Loose forward Sean McMahon will make his Wallabies debut against Wales on Saturday as new Australia coach Michael Cheika opted to keep explosive backs Will Genia and Quade Cooper on the bench for the test in Cardiff.

The 20-year-old Melbourne Rebels flanker and number eight Ben McCalman are the only changes in the line-up from the team that started in the narrow loss against the All Blacks three weeks ago.

The duo replace injured Scott Higginbotham and Scott Fardy.

“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.”