‘Honey Badger’ keeping his options open for World Cup

Australia's Nick Cummins is tackled by Barbarians Sarel Pretorius during the Killik Cup match at Twickenham, London.

The ‘Honey Badger’ said he had been “busting for a bit of meat” before claiming a priceless try against his international team-mates as the Barbarians went down fighting 40-36 at Twickenham.

The 27-year-old vowed to fulfil his two-year deal with Japanese club Coca Cola West Red Sparks, but admitted to being “creative” in his bid for a Super Rugby loan deal.

Cummins must complete next season’s Super Rugby campaign to qualify for Australia selection, and is still in talks to secure a short-term release from his club.

“I would love to be back in the mix there, but I’ve signed for two years in Japan and I’m a man of my word so I’ll go through with that,” said Cummins.

“If there’s a chance we can work things out, I’d be stoked.

“We’re being creative already, trying to get it through. Sometimes it’s not so straightforward with the language barrier.”

New Australia boss Michael Cheika has told Cummins to arrange his own Super Rugby return to be eligible for international selection.

Cummins is now understood to be willing to extend his Coca Cola contract in exchange for a season-long release that would pave the way for a World Cup recall. “I’m lucky enough to have a crew behind me, my agent and family: I’m happy to be on board and I’m doing my best,” said Cummins.

“Contract-wise we’re trying to be creative: it’s not just about me taking, it’s a two-way street, whatever I can give to them, and what they can do for me, hopefully we can work together.

“At the moment they have the power, so I suppose that’s what we’ve been doing.”

The ‘Honey-Badger’ scored one of five Barbarians tries in a narrow defeat to Australia, who had new boss Cheika at the helm for the first time.

Sam Carter, Benn Robinson, Tevita Kuridrani, Rob Horne, Bernard Foley and Sean McMahon crossed for the Australians, who struggled for rhythm throughout Saturday’s Twickenham encounter.

The Wallabies had Will Genia and Quade Cooper back in half-back tandem for the first time in a year, but still lacked fluency.

Frank Halai, Adam Thomson, Francis Saili and Marnitz Boshoff claimed the other scores for the Barbarians; John Kirwan’s side unlucky not to prevail in the event.

The Barbarians now face Leicester at Welford Road tomorrow night before head coach Kirwan’s squad disbands and a new group will face the Combined Services in the annual Remembrance fixture in Bath on November 11.

Sonny Bill Williams scored twice on his All Blacks return as New Zealand thrashed the United States 74-6 at Soldier Field, Chicago.

The All Blacks ran in 12 tries – through Nathan Harris, Cory Jane, Patrick Tuipulotu, Williams (two), Charles Piutau, Julian Savea (two), Joe Moody, Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg and Sam Cane – with Cruden kicking four conversions and Dan Carter three. Adam Siddall scored USA’s points with two successul kicks from the penalty tee.

It was a comprehensive victory for New Zealand to kick-off their autumn campaign and will fire a warning to Stuart Lancaster’s England who they face on Saturday.