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March 18, 2011 - 3:51PM
Aggresive . . . Force winger Nick Cummins. Photo: Getty
Western Force winger Nick Cummins will attempt to become more like the fearless African honey badger in a bid to catch the attention of Wallabies coach Robbie Deans and earn a dream World Cup call-up.
Cummins, who has taken part in several Wallabies camps but is yet to earn the Test cap he so desperately craves, is in the best shape of his life after dropping 10kg during a gruelling Super Rugby pre-season campaign.
But despite his slimmed-down 95kg frame, Cummins' tackling has become even more ferocious, and it's all thanks to a new mindset after watching a wildlife documentary.
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"The honey badger is an animal that lives in Africa, it's about half a metre long and it's the most fearless animal on the planet," Cummins explained.
"It will take on any animal, even lions.
"I'm trying to think like a honey badger when I'm out there in defence.
"I've lost a bit of weight to get fit, and you've got to come in with that bit more aggression (when you're tackling) otherwise you're going to get fobbed off.
"Gene Fairbanks is a perfect example of a lighter sort of bloke that just launches himself."
The honey badger approach has worked a treat so far for Cummins, who has starred for the Force in their opening three games.
The 23-year-old showed his versatility by switching from wing to outside centre last week and hopes a standout season at Super Rugby level will convince Deans to hand him a Wallabies jersey.
"Obviously you've got to aim for the stars to land on the moon," Cummins said.
"I see myself in the frame.
"I want to get a few games (for the Wallabies) by the end of the year.
"I want to get a few games in there and really try to cement my spot if I can get a few starts."
Cummins will again start at outside centre for Saturday night's clash (AEDT) with the John Mitchell-coached Lions in Johannesburg.
Not only would the Force want to get one over their former coach, but the Perth-based franchise are in desperate need of a win after starting the season with two losses and last week's heartbreaking 22-22 draw with the Blues.
Cummins said the Force would have to be on their game against the Lions, who have looked a new team since Mitchell took over after five years in Perth.
"They've been a bit of a surprise, they've really had a crack," Cummins said.
"John Mitchell's done some good work there.
"We're going to do our homework and come out all guns blazing.
"He's a tactical man and watching their last few games, they've put the wind up a few teams and they won't be easybeats."
The Force made just one change to their starting line-up, with Tim Fairbrother replacing injured prop Matt Dunning (foot).
Force: Cameron Shepherd, Alfie Mafi, Nick Cummins, Gene Fairbanks, David Smith, James O'Connor, Brett Sheehan, Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson, Richard Brown, Nathan Sharpe (captain), Sam Wykes, Tim Fairbrother, Ben Whittaker, Pek Cowan. Reserves: Nathan Charles, Kieran Longbottom, Tom Hockings, Tevita Metuisela, James Stannard, Matt Brandon, Pat Dellit.
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/un...318-1c06i.html
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