BRAD CAN CHIP IN
Kiwi-born star outflanks Chris
from PETE SAMSON in Durban
BRAD SHIELDS claims his knowledge of chip butties means he’s perfectly qualified to play for England.
The New Zealand-born star will make his first start for his adopted country tomorrow.
He comes in at flanker in place of the axed Chris Robshaw for the second Test against South Africa in Bloemfontein.
Robshaw struggled in the first Test and with England wanting another lineout forward, the 27-year-old has shot to the front of the queue.
“I’m pretty stoked, it’s exciting,” said Shields. “I’m happy and honoured to be part of this group and I’m willing to put everything into this jersey.
“If I didn’t want to be here I would have said no, but I really want to take my skills to the next level and England is a perfect fit for me, because of my family and my heritage.
“My grandparents were very English and the way we were brought up there was a lot of English heritage – all the teaspoons on the wall, chip butties on Sunday afternoon, that sort of stuff.
“My auntie still lives in Marlow. My parents moved to New Zealand when they were young but they definitely made sure we knew where we came from.”
Neither coach Eddie Jones or Shields himself gave anything away when asked whether the first approach to him had come from England or Wasps, who he will join in the autumn.
Either way, it is pretty clear how highly Jones rates a player who represented New Zealand at Under-20 level.
Used off the bench for 45 minutes last week, he has now shunted aside one of the coach’s favourites in Robshaw.
“My job is to pick the best 23 for England each week and he is not in the best 23,” said Jones. “Chris was very disappointed but was not overly surprised.
“He’s a very hard taskmaster himself and realises that he hasn’t been in great form. We’re trying to find out why but at the moment we can’t.”
Shields, who will return to Wellington after the tour to complete his Super Rugby season, is one of two changes to the starting side, with Joe Launchbury replacing Nick Isiekwe. Neither Robshaw or Isiekwe have made the bench.
Newcastle’s Mark Wilson is among the replacements, while Danny Cipriani will take Piers Francis’ spot.
“I’ve been impressed by Danny’s diligence,” said Jones. “He came in with a difficult reputation but he’s been absolutely outstanding.”