Shields selection shows England’s desperation, Marshall claims

Brad Shields’ call-up for England’s three-Test tour of South Africa shows Eddie Jones’ side lack depth and are desperate for new faces, according to former All Black Justin Marshall.

Shields – who qualifies through his parents – was among seven new faces in Jones’ 34-man squad named on Thursday, the Wasps-bound flanker having been released from his New Zealand Rugby contract.

Head coach Jones defended the decision to select Hurricanes skipper Shields, saying: “My responsibility is to pick England qualified players – I don’t decide the regulations.”

But Marshall slammed the move, suggesting it shows England’s previous strength was now on the wane.

Congrats @brad_shields pic.twitter.com/tyboqQD9oC

— Hurricanes Rugby (@Hurricanesrugby) May 10, 2018

“They were trucking along nicely and really struggling with their selections because they had a good group of talent and weren’t sure who to play,” he told Radio Sport.

“But now they’re seeking outside players. How all of a sudden has that talent dissipated to the point that they’re now having to look for better options?

“What this whole Brad Shields saga indicates to me is that all of a sudden they’ve become a little more desperate than they looked.

“They’re nowhere near as rhythmic as they were and I think they’re a lot more vulnerable.”

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