McMahon and McGahan talk to the press at Captain’s run.
Both the stand-in captain and coach of the Melbourne Rebels had warned of being dismissive of the under pressure Queensland outfit ahead of the Rebels first home game of the season on Saturday night.
After clocking up over 20,000 kilometers between Melbourne, Perth and Pretoria, the Melbourne Rebels will play their first home game against the Queensland Reds at AAMI Park.
Sean McMahon, with stitches on his cheek and a black eye, told reporters that he is fit to play. Sean noted that the injury, suffered midway through the 20 point defeat in the Republic, is not affecting his breathing. “I coped a little of an elbow, I got a tiny sinus fracture, but nothing to worry about.”
Talking about his role as stand-in captain the Wallaby said: “I’m enjoying being Captain, but we are looking forward to have him (Stirzaker) back in the pack.”
Tony McGahan, who is a personal friend of Richard Graham, was sympathetic of the sacked Reds coach. McGahan believed the interim coaching staff will do a good job ahead of Saturday night.
“Rich and I have been friends for over 20 years, we know each other for long time, that’s been tough for him” McGahan said.
The Rebels will move Lopeti Timani back to the second row. Adam Thompson will move to Number 8 and Jory Read will be back in the run out XV. “We want a very strong lineout and scrum focus, we feel that being at lock Lopeti has more access into the game” McMahon said.
Talking about Reid, the stand-in captain and fellow backrower said “he is part of the bash brothers, he is aggressive, and he brings another side of the game that everyone needs.”
Reid will have his hands full all game, especially in the set pieces, where both McMahon and McGahan are expecting the Reds to be strong.
“Their set pieces are great, they have a great scrum and lineout, they got player like Simmons leading the charge, and they pride themselves on their set pieces” said McMahon.
“The Reds have had excellent set pieces over the years, they’ve a lot of stability in the forward pack, it’s a big entry point into the game, and they’re going to be dangerous. Our forwards have a big job ahead” said McGahan.
