Best is yet to come in 2019 predicts new England star Shields

BRAD Shields insists England fans have not seen the best of him yet as he targets a starting spot in the Six Nations.

The Wasps blindside brought an extra physicality to the back row in the autumn and provided valuable assistance in the lineout. But the Kiwi-born flanker knows he faces stiff competition in 2019 and is determined to add to his four caps in the New Year.

Shields said: “I don’t think you’ve seen the best of me.

“I think I got better throughout the Autumn campaign but it’s a different style of football over here, which I’m still trying to adapt to so I’m working hard and trying to do the basics really well.

Shields adds: “There are subtle little differences up here and it’s probably more of ‘we’re trying to go through teams’ a little bit, use our size to batter teams.

“In the past I’ve been in teams where we might not have had the biggest forward pack and backline or whatever, so we try to do in on fitness and speed and all that sort of stuff.

“I think that England, at the moment, have a really good tempo to their game, but they’ve also got that destructive forward pack who can run through a team.”

Shield says adapting to England’s needs has been helped by Wasps’ style.

“It’s very similar,” he adds. “Look, there’s going to be times where you find yourself out in the 15 metre channel and try to get to run and try to use a bit of skill – but I think in all teams, there’s always a time where you get to roll your sleeves up and do the hard work.”

Vilified in New Zealand for turning his back on them for the Red Rose, the former U20 All Black has no regrets.

“It exceeded my expectation. I’m really happy with my decision and I’m glad I’ve got my opportunity to test myself at the highest level.”