Eddie Jones insists Brad Shields is genuine about his commitment to play for England after fast-tracking the New Zealand-born forward into his squad for the first test against South Africa tonight (NZ time).
Shields has been named on the bench as cover for the second row, despite playing almost all of his rugby for the Hurricanes at blindside flanker. He has been preferred to Exeter lock Jonny Hill.
Shields' contentious decision to pledge his international future to England, despite playing all his domestic rugby in New Zealand and representing their under-20s in a world championship victory over England in 2011, has been criticised by World Rugby vice-chairman Agustin Pichot, who claimed this week that the game had lost something by it.
Jones said he had a "great comment" as a response to Pichot's intervention but declined to share it. The England head coach, however, was adamant that Shields had been worthy of his selection.
"He [Shields] was undoubtedly nervous about coming into the squad," said Jones. "It is difficult when you come to a different team, particularly when you have been playing your domestic rugby in another country. But he has fitted in well and everyone knows he is genuine about wanting to play for England.
"He understands he gave it his all in New Zealand and they didn't select him. You want players who don't carry baggage, see opportunity and want to take them."
