Rebels doing it for McGahan: Turinui

Thu, Jul 13, 2017, 10:46 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
It's the final regular round of Super Rugby for 2017 and despite just one Aussie side set to feature in the final there's still plenty on the line. Check out a preview of the action with former Wallaby fan favourite, Matt Dunning.

In the Rebels' short history, no man has been more influential than Tony McGahan.

It is of little surprise that the outgoing coach has kept a low profile this week and assistant coach Morgan Turinui firmly believes nothing short of a win will suffice in sending him off tomorrow night.

"It's the measure of the man, I don't think anyone is surprised that he doesn't want to make a fuss," Turinui said.

"I mentioned in the press conference after the game last week, I thought if you looked through the history of the Rebels, there is no staff member that has had a bigger influence on the history of the club.

Tony McGahan is leaving the club at the end of the season. Photo: Getty Images"I think it is really important that the matter in which we play and the manner in which we perform, even more so than the result, reflects what a Tony McGahan side is like.

"It's important we play with that relentless, almost stubborn nature.

"Nothing will suffice that is less than a win."

Turinui's words are strong ones and that's because the Rebels have plenty to play for.

While they do not know whether this will be their final Super Rugby match, they will be playing for McGahan, Mitch Inman's 100th cap and the players that are leaving the club at the end of the season.Sean McMahon may not be a Rebel in 2018. Photo: Getty ImagesOne of those players could be Sean McMahon, as the star flanker is understood to be leaning towards a stint in Japan in 2018.

"I hope it's not his last game," Turinui said.

"If he goes to Japan or wherever he is going, I'd hope that he is at least playing in the World Cup for the Wallabies in 2019 and at the very least, we'd like him to play Super Rugby for us in 2019.

"Whatever happens, I hope it's not Sean McMahon's last game for the Rebels.

"It's where he has forged his path and I think the club has a real attachment to him and the people in it."

Turinui was gun shy when asked whether he is interested in the top job in 2018, though he did say he is yet to apply.The Jaguares were far too good for the Tahs. Photo: Getty ImagesWhat is certain is the challenge the Rebels face in taking on the Jaguares.

They dominated the Waratahs in every facet of play and Turinui was at Allianz Stadium to watch the boilover.

"I thought they were a decent side with some quality players - they were excellent," he said.

"It's not even just that the Waratahs played poorly, the Jaguares were that good.

"Technically and tactically, they picked the Waratahs apart.

"They physically dominated the exchanges and looked a quality football side.

"If there were no Foley, Folau and Hooper there, the score would have been double.

"We've had the June break and the emotional game last week but this is now about footy.

"This will be a good test for us - a really stern test for us against a quality rugby side."

The Rebels take on the Jaguares at AAMI Park tomorrow night, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and on radio at RUGBY.com.au.

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