Hard-hitting Wallabies back-rower Sean McMahon has revealed he needs a pre-game hot shower in the changerooms to calm his nerves before doing battle.
The knockabout No.8, who will head to Japanese rugby after playing Scotland in Edinburgh next week, will be up against a huge England pack at Twickenham on Saturday (2am Sunday AEDT) but only after 'tubbing' at least twice.
"I always have a shower before I run out on to the field. That's how I get myself fired up for a game," McMahon said.
"It is a decently hot shower and gives you a little bit of a burn.
"There is always someone watching me thinking I am a bit weird. I have probably come from the hotel and already had a shower.
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"The boys are putting their socks on while I am putting my towel around my waist and heading into the shower."
McMahon got the idea after seeing Wallabies flanker Scott Higginbotham clamber into an ice bath before a game once and thought a warmer option may be more beneficial.
"I saw Higgers jumping into an ice bath and thought I might have a shower and see what happens," he said.
"It calms you down and wastes a little bit of time."
"Sometimes when you get to the changing room there is a little bit of time you want to waste and not be thinking about the game too heavily."
Wallabies winger Reece Hodge confirmed McMahon is the only member of the team to get washed pre-match before getting dirty.
"I have noticed that he glad wraps all his tatts and his strapping and stuff before he has a shower in the pre-match," Hodge said.
"It works for him, he's playing great footy. I'm just pretty chilled out before the game and just try and relax."
