Daily Mail

Anscombe backing pal Shields to shine

- By NIK SIMON

THE last time Gareth Anscombe faced Argentina he was playing for Junior All Blacks in 2011 alongside Brad Shields. On Saturday, the fly-half will take on the Pumas in a Wales jersey — while Shields is set to make his England debut in South Africa. It has taken Anscombe almost three years to establish himself as a key member of Warren Gatland’s squad, but he expects Shields to make an immediate impact under Eddie Jones. ‘There are a few of us from that Under 20 team who are still going now,’ said Anscombe, who was selected ahead of Beauden Barrett at No 10 at age-group level. ‘I spoke to Brad after he’d made the decision to play for England and all the best to him. He’s been knocking on the door in New Zealand and now he’s gone another way. I’m sure he’s going to fit into the England group really well. He’ll do himself justice.’ For Anscombe, this tour is an opportunit­y to establish himself as understudy to Dan Biggar ahead of next year’s World Cup. With Biggar rested alongside Wales’s Test Lions, Anscombe and Rhys Patchell should both have trial runs at 10. ‘I’m looking forward to getting a chance,’ said Anscombe. ‘With a few guys absent it’s an opportunit­y to step up and lead.’

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