Shields selection doesn't sit well with former England captain

Former England captain and loose forward Lewis Moody has spoken out against the selection of Brad Shields by Eddie Jones for England’s tour of South Africa.

“I know the professional game is changing, but picking Shields doesn’t sit well for me at all, ” he told The Sun. 

“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 opens up.

“If he had 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.”

Moody believes the selection is a deliberate ploy to send a message to fellow English players but doesn’t understand what Jones is looking for.

“I can understand that it frustrates them, but equally it’s making a statement – Eddie clearly doesn’t think he has the options here so has to look elsewhere. It’s a bit of a rocket to get some players playing harder.

“But I have to admit, I’m not entirely sure what Eddie is looking for in the back row.”

After a disastrous Six Nations campaign in which England came in fifth, the pressure is mounting ahead of next year’s World Cup. The side has notched four consecutive losses, including an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Barbarians. South Africa will provide an equally tough proposition.

Moody believes this a good outcome and this period of adversity will benefit England in the long-run.

“It’s good for them to be under a bit of pressure,” he said.

“Eddie hasn’t had to deal with as quite as much of that. He’s had incredible run, but the best thing that could have happened to them is an awful campaign because otherwise, the wins can paper over the cracks.

“You need the wheels to come off a little bit so that you know who you can really depend on and what changes need to be made.