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England flanker Brad Shields cops it on social media after pear-shaped offload attempt
Ex-Hurricanes and new England flanker Brad Shields has copped the wrath of English fans for attempting an offload that went pear-shaped, slipping from his grasp and flying metres forward into the in-goal.
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Shields’ mistake came as he broke away down the right sideline as England searched for a go-ahead score, trailing 11-9 with less than 10 minutes remaining.
Don’t play shields ever again
— Ryanbridge (@Ryanbridge9) November 3, 2018
Luckily for Shields, England won a penalty from the ensuing scrum that Owen Farrell kicked to re-take the lead 12-11, which was the final score of the match.
Shields – picked over a number of local prospects – start to his international career hasn’t been up to the level expected of an England recruit according to many fans.
Brad Shields looks an absolutely pointless recruit from England. Yet to see him play a good game for club or country. Better back row players playing in the Premiership than him. Don Armand far superior. #ENGvRSA
— Seán Herlihy (@seanieherlihy) November 3, 2018
Controversial view, brad shields should not be starting for england. Injuries dont help, but he makes too many mistakes and looks too much like a lone ranger with his line speed
— James Tyler? (@Tyler_avfc) November 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/alexh_williams/status/1058770365579698177
Dom Armand must be watching Brad Shields performance and thinking what on earth do I need to do? Utter madness.
— Alex Clements (@ajclements39) November 3, 2018
What is Brad Shields for?
— Joe Tarring (@joetarring) November 3, 2018
Shields had a mixed performance against South Africa, winning two turnovers and making 10 tackles, but he also conceding a penalty and making the crucial offloading mistake, which the commentatory team labeled ‘awful’.
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“Brad Shields has to keep hold of this ball,” they said.
“Step infield, control it, not the moment to throw that speculative pass. That’s awful.”
Replay of that Brad Shield's break #ENGvRSA pic.twitter.com/Bs7x1EcB91
— Jonathan Beardmore (@RugbyPodcast) November 3, 2018
Brad Shields "offload" pic.twitter.com/a3SIiCeX0E
— Russ Brookes (@RussBrookes1981) November 3, 2018
If retained in the starting lineup next week, Brad Shields will face off against the All Blacks for the first time with a point to prove.
England fans will be hoping he at least shelves the offload for the occasion.
In other news:
