Western Force winger Nick Cummins admits he needs more of the “seed” if he is to lock down a World Cup berth, and he knows time is of the essence.
Cummins has been starved of ball-running opportunities this season, with the cult hero scoring just one try.
The 27-year-old remains firmly in the mix to win a World Cup call-up, and he received a clear message of what he needs to do when he caught up with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika a fortnight ago.
“It was hands on the ball. It was more seed. I need to get more pill. More touches,” Cummins said on Thursday.
“He (Cheika) wants certain things that work well for his game, and I reckon it’s pretty good the way he runs it.
“He wants aggression; he wants directness; he wants passion. That’s the sort of bloke he is.
“I suppose you’ve got to show more front than Cyclone Tracy.
“I’ve got to go hunting and get it to prove that I’m worth it.”
Cummins hopes a strong finish to the season will give his Wallaby chances a major boost.
“There’s still four games to go now,” Cummins said.
“I’m certainly keen (for the World Cup) and I let him know that.
“When you’re in the jersey, you jump up another level as well. But that doesn’t mean you can stuff around in Super Rugby.
“You’ve got to work hard as well. I’m definitely on the burst with that and that’s where all horns are pointing forward.”
Cummins will have the perfect chance to show his class when he goes up against in-form Highlanders winger Waisake Naholo in Saturday night’s clash in Perth.
Naholo has scored eight tries in 11 games this season, and the Force will have to bring their A-grade defensive game to stop him.
Cummins’ off-field marketability has risen to new heights over the past year, with the man fondly dubbed “The Honey Badger” building up a huge cult following.
But Cummins wants people to know there’s more to the man than just some funny one-liners.
“I want to be known for my rugby,” Cummins said.
“That’s the main thing I’m focusing on. It’s hard sometimes to hide it when a word comes out and people are confused and laughing at the same time.”
Force fullback Dane Haylett-Petty will return against the Highlanders after recovering from a groin injury.
The Force had the bye last week, and Cummins said the group were keen to back up on their shock win over the Waratahs a fortnight ago.
Peter Hughes
Guest
Badger - to save your international career please move to another province where you're given a chance to shine. The Force are killing you & will continue to do so with Foley as coach.
Peter Hughes
Guest
And clearly you didn't read or understand what I wrote. Running metres, number of runs, kick returns, tries scored & other stats are largely out of your control as a winger if your team; a) rarely gives you the ball b) never gives you the ball in space c) doesn't include you in set moves d) plays 10 man rugby with pick & drive forward play as the only plan. e) the other team is too smart to kick to you
Squirrel
Roar Rookie
Badge and AAC have cemented the wing spots.
Lano
Roar Guru
convinced the Force will win this one, but the Badger has ahead of him for selection...........Speight, Horne, O'Connor, Naiyaravoro (? eligible) and Turner Badger's stock has slumped this year with the Force game plan.
Jnr
Guest
Go badger exactly his debut even the barbarians game against his own country men
Squirrel
Roar Rookie
Badge should be the 13 at force so he can get more pill.
soapit
Guest
perhaps but a few of those have questions marks on their consistency.
Dave
Guest
Clearly don't look at any of his game stats do you...
Jake
Guest
Agree Piru. I remember when debuted against England and we was virtually snarling at them during the anthem. Whatever people think he lacks in skill etc he certainly makes up for (and more) in his attitude and desire.
Piru
Guest
Wallabies need him for his attitude alone.
Anto
Guest
He must be selected. He's at least as good as the other wingers running around, but MUCH better value. Go the Badge!
Peter Hughes
Guest
I'm a Cummings fan & would have him in my Wallaby RWC squad but........................ The forward based, dour, pick & drive, 1 dimensional game plan played by Foley at the Force looks likely to cost him a spot in the squad imo. He's by far their best attacking player & they consistently starve him of the ball. When he does get it he's boxed in by defenders. If he moved to the Rebels or Brumbies he would be one of the first picked in Wallaby squads imo. He's better than both Tomane & Horne imo but Force don't give him a chance to shine in attack.
Cynical Play
Guest
It think Nick is a good winger who has done some great things at the top level, and he is genuinely a good hearted bloke. But he has not done enough this year to be selected, in my view, for the Wallabies. He is behind at least four wingers that come to mind, and is not known to play other positions. See how he goes but I could not have him on form.