Brad Shields will start England’s second Test against South Africa after Chris Robshaw was dropped to the bench for the first time in his international career.
Shields, a New Zealander who qualifies through his parents, has been picked at blindside flanker to make his full debut just two weeks after joining up with Eddie Jones’ squad for the first time.
It is a bold selection call by Jones, who has viewed Robshaw as a key player until his decision to drop him from the matchday squad for Saturday’s clash in Bloemfontein.
Your England team for the second Test against the @Springboks in Bloemfontein this Saturday ?
Preview ➡ https://t.co/sZBQgmdmZq pic.twitter.com/YBI66L26by
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) June 14, 2018
“Based on South Africa’s likely selection of an extra line-out jumper we have decided to start with Brad Shields, which improves our line-out,” Jones said.
“It is tough on Chris Robshaw as he has been an outstanding player for us but I know he will bounce back.”
The only other change to the starting XV sees Joe Launchbury restored to the second row having completed his recovery from the calf injury that forced him to miss the first Test.
Instead, the spot among the replacements that Shields filled in Johannesburg is taken by Mark Wilson, with the last remaining change to the 23 toppled by the Springboks in the firstTest seeing Danny Cipriani come in for Piers Francis.
Cipriani was a spectator last weekend despite a superb season at Wasps but Jones intends using him at Free State Stadium.
“He’s been training well and doing everything that has been asked of him.
“We have come here to win the series against South Africa and the squad is ready to go out and beat them this weekend.
“The way the team have come together has been superb. Owen Farrell, with a number of the senior players, has really moulded the squad together. They are working hard to improve their game to make sure we win.”
