Graham backs trio for World Cup

Published: Tuesday, 21. June, 2011 in category Rugby World Cup
Wykes: Backed to make World Cup squad

He feels forwards Sam Wykes and Kieran Longbottom and three-quarter Nick Cummins should make the party.

Robbie Deans is expected to name plenty of Force players in is initial 40-man squad with Nathan Sharpe, David Pocock, Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson and Richard Brown among those certain to feature.

However Graham feels his rising stars also deserve their place.

"Guys that have had really good seasons and put themselves into contention are Kieran Longbottom, I think he has been fantastic," Graham said.

"The other guy in the forward pack would be Wykes. His performances this season have been a model of consistency.

"At the end of last season, when we talked and we challenged him (Wykes) with what we believed he could deliver, he's done that.

"And the other one in the backs is Cummins, again he's another guy who has typified consistency this year."