Moody not happy with call up for ‘Kiwi’ Shields

Lewis Moody has criticised Eddie Jones’ decision to take Brad Shields on England’s tour to South Africa due to the negative impact it could have on aspiring homegrown flankers.

Shields will link up with Jones’ squad tomorrow having travelled from New Zealand, where he must complete his Super Rugby commitments before joining Wasps in time for next season.

The 27-year-old has yet to be tested in the Aviva Premiership yet is preferred ahead of back rows such as Don Armand, who has enjoyed an outstanding season for Exeter.

Moody, the former England captain who amassed 74 caps including three for the British and Irish Lions, is uncomfortable with his selection for the series against the Springboks that starts on Saturday week.

“I know the professional game is changing, but picking Shields doesn’t sit well for me at all,” said Moody, speaking on behalf of Land Rover. “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 opened up. If he’d 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.”

Shields will contest the No 6 jersey held by Chris Robshaw and, on the other side of the scrum, Jones is looking for a traditional openside in the belief that the changing emphasis of the game has made a fetcher necessary. Highly-impressive 19-year-old Tom Curry is likely to fill the role against South Africa, adding to the solitary cap he won in Argentina last year.

Aaron Shingler looks set to miss Wales’ autumn Tests after undergoing knee surgery. The 17-times capped flanker was hurt during Scarlets’ Guinness Pro14 final defeat by Leinster in Dublin last weekend.

He withdrew from the Wales squad for Tests against South Africa and Argentina this month, with Cardiff forward Josh Turnbull being called up.