Shields poised for controversial debut

Brad Shields is set to make his England debut against South Africa at Ellis Park tomorrow after being unexpectedly fasttracked into Eddie Jones’ matchday squad.

Shields, 27, will cover flanker and lock from the bench less than a week after flying 7,655 miles from Wellington to Durban to join his new team-mates for the first time.

The New Zealand-born forward qualifies for England through his parents but has never played in the Aviva Premiership, his contract with Wasps not starting until the end of his Super Rugby commitments with the Hurricanes next month.

His selection has been criticised by, among others, World Rugby vice-chairman Agustin Pichot, the Argentina great who is a strong advocate of stricter eligibility.

But Jones said: “Brad is a good workman-like player who has fitted in well off the field. It’s easy to fit into a squad when people know your attitude is right and he’s brought that to the table.”

Meanwhile, Wasps fullback Willie le Roux and Sale scrum-half Faf de Klerk have been named in South Africa’s starting XV. Tendai Mtawarira, Bongi Mbonambi and Trevor Nyakane form South Africa’s first all-black starting front row.