Captaincy must be real reason Shields is on the fast-track

IT SEEMS everyone is missing the point on the Brad Shields debate. Of course he’s good enough, of course he’s eligible. But why? What problem does he solve?

He’s a blindside who is more inclined to play lock than openside and England have top class locks and 6s. England need an out and out 7 who can cover 6 or No.8 in an injury-hit game.

At 6 our options are Chris Robshaw and Don Armand with backups too many to mention. England have strong Shields-type 6s in the Premiership. No doubt he’s going to force his way into the squad in due course and maybe displace Robshaw, but we will need Robshaw’s leadership and experience in South Africa at 6 as other key positions trial new players, like Sam Underhill or Tom Curry at 7.

There is no need for Shields unless he makes a case so strong at Wasps he must get selected, in November not June. Other than that, he’s eligible if the All Blacks don’t pick him vs France – which could happen given their injury issues at 6.

Maybe the problem he solves for Jones is captaincy; he wants another New Zealand accented England captain. And one that plays well, as Dylan Hartley doesn’t anymore.

No thanks; no more coaches’ pets, England needs a captain to steer Eddie by understanding his team, like Martin Johnson steered Clive Woodward. Maro Itoje is the man, not Shields.

JULIAN WOODS via email