Honey Badger hungry for Wallaby reward

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.

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