『 A ruthless and physical battle 』

Sean McMahon is a player who always breaks through even when there is an obstacle. Although he is only 26 years old, McMahon is one of the most trusted players of the team. We asked him about his preparation for the final. （Interview Date：Mid May, 2021）

◆It's the 1% that makes the difference

――You have been playing really well. Thoughts on the playoff semifinal?

Kubota is a very physical team, so we expected to be in a pressure situation. It was also our first game in three weeks, but we were able to play a good physical game. Great to win the physical battle and now we are looking forward to the final.

――You played powerfully from the start to the end of the game.

As for me, I did not think about the final, but focused firmly on the semifinal. I think all 23 members, staff and non-members were so focused that we were able to show our best performance.

――What was the most important part of your focus?

Personally, I thought it was the 1% that would make the difference. For example, if someone slacked off in the chase, I thought that such details would lead to the result, so I focused on my role and giving my 110% best. Also, as a team, we focused on ourselves and our style of rugby we were going to play.

――As a member of the team, do you think you were able to fulfill your role in Kubota game?

Yes. We talked about focusing on our rugby, individual roles and what we do as a team, and I feel that we really played well. So, I think we achieved those goals.

◆Accurate execution at 1% or 10%

――Started in the fourth game of the season, and you have been playing well ever since, scoring many tries too.

I'm happy that I am scoring some tries, but I think tries are part of the team result, so I'm focusing on contributing to the team with my performance so that we can win as a team. If I get a chance to score a try in the final, I think that will also be my contribution to the team.

――Where do you feel you've improved as a player this season?

I play Flanker and NO8, and my strength is ball-carry. I always want to make turnovers once or twice in a game. I'm also working on my skills consistently, passing and offloading skills, with our coach.

――How far are you from where you want to be in terms of passing and offloading skills?

Even though I am getting better at passing and offloading skills, I play with the mind that I have the potential to get even better. In terms of offloading, if I can target the opponent's weak shoulder, get through with a good line, and then connect with good offload pass, there are a lot of attacking opportunities created for the team, so in that sense, if I can execute my skills well in the 1% and 10% areas, it will lead to good results for the team.

◆I want to be a role model for my kids

――What has been the influence of the addition of world class players, Samu Kerevi last season and Beauden Barrett this season?

I think both Kerevi and Barrett contribute a lot to the team, both on-field and off-field, and they are leaders, especially Barrett this season, because he shares his skills and knowledge that can benefit the team. We have a lot to learn from him.

――With that kind of inspiration, what are your thoughts on representing Australia again?

Right now, I'm concentrating on what's in front of me, so I'm really only thinking about the final. I'm playing with a focus on winning the championship as Sungoliath, so I'm not really thinking about next week, nor am I thinking about what will happen after that. I'm just focused on this weekend.

――You have a new family member?

Yes! It's been five months since my second son was born, and my first son is now three years old. I feel it will change my perspective on life. It has strengthened my purpose for playing rugby and my desire to be a role model for my kids. I think the new addition to my family has influenced me to think more about why I am playing rugby for.

――Now, want to ask why are you playing rugby for?

First of all, I love playing rugby, but my will to play for my family has become stronger, so I play more to support them and for their future. I also feel that the camaraderie and bonding I have with my teammates, staff, and the people involved with Sungoliath are very important because they are not something you can get easily in your everyday life.

◆Enjoy this opportunity

――What is the most important thing to focus on for the final?

I can't pick just one point to focus on, but in the semifinal, we played with a strong focus on ourselves, and each player was able to focus on their role, which produced a good result, so I think that will be important in the final as well.
I think it is also important to be ruthless and physical in the game, and on top of that, it is also important to enjoy the game with a sense of bonding and excitement. Playing for the top spot in Japan in the final is not a chance that everyone gets, so I think it is important to enjoy the opportunity.

――How confident are you to win the championship?

Our coaches have been preparing us very well since last August, and I feel that I have been in good shape throughout the season, so naturally I believe in myself. As a team, we just have to do what we have to do. We will do our best to get a good result.

(Interview & Structure: Kazuyoshi Hariya /Translator: Yuji Yamaguchi /Editing: Yutaro Igarashi)
[Photo: Aki Nagao]