Barbs continue as Shields joins England

Hurricanes flanker Brad Shields (right) has joined the England rugby team in South Africa but hasn’t been able to escape the criticism that continues around his controversial selection.

Shields flew to Durban to link with Eddie Jones’ squad for the first time, arriving on the back of the Hurricanes’ second loss in as many weeks in Super Rugby.

Shields, who doesn’t join the English club scene with Wasps until after Super Rugby is finished, has been granted a special release by New Zealand Rugby to be in Jones’ squad ahead of that.

As the 27-year-old Shields went through outfitting and hit the training field ahead of the three test series with the Springboks, his presence continued to disillusion many in the English game.

The latest to air his concerns is former England captain and flanker Lewis Moody.

The 2003 World Cup winner told The Sun: ‘‘I know the professional game is changing, but picking Shields doesn’t sit well for me at all.

‘‘He’s a Kiwi who has played all of his rugby in New Zealand. When it was felt that the All Blacks weren’t going to work for him, another avenue opens up.

‘‘If he had spent a couple of years in the Premiership earning his stripes, that would sit better with me.

‘‘Eddie is able to pick him and he has done, but it’s discouraging for the English flankers who have come through the system here.’’

Moody felt Jones was trying to send a message to some underperformaing players by calling up Shields early.

‘‘I can understand that it frustrates them, but equally it’s making a statement – Eddie clearly doesn’t think he has the options here so has to look elsewhere. It’s bit of a rocket to get some players playing harder,’’ Moody said.

‘‘But I have to admit, I’m not entirely sure what Eddie is looking for in the back row.’’

England have arrived in South Africa on the back of four consecutive losses to Scotland, France, Ireland and the British Barbarians.

There is growing pressure on Jones and his team to turn things around ahead of their November clash with the All Blacks and next year’s World Cup in Japan.

Moody feels this is an ideal test of Jones’ coaching and management skills and that the run of losses could ultimately help the team’s greater cause.

Stuff