Shields fast‑tracked into England squad for first Test against South Africa

Uncapped Hurricanes forward Brad Shields has been fast‑tracked into the England squad for Sunday’s first Test against South Africa in Johannesburg.

Shields only met up with the squad earlier this week but will be on the bench for the Ellis Park match.

Shields, who qualifies for England through his parents, will join Wasps later this year at the end of the Super Rugby season.

The 27‑year‑old was part of the New Zealand Under‑20s side that retained the World Championship title in 2011 but has never been capped by the All Blacks.

England coach Eddie Jones said Shields offered the side great versatility being able to cover loose forward and lock.

England will face South Africa at 3.05am Sunday.

In other test matches tomorrow, the All Blacks will face France at 7.35pm while the Wallabies will take on Ireland at 10pm.   

Meanwhile the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians will take on Samoa in round one of the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup at 3.30pm tomorrow at the ANZ Stadium and you can catch the live commentary on our sister station Viti FM.

Source:RadioNZ

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