Venue: Twickenham Date: 10 November Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Coverage: Radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 live (build-up from 14:30) and live text commentary on BBC Sport website. Highlights on BBC Two at 19:30 GMT.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says England’s New Zealand-born flanker Brad Shields will find it “tough” playing against his native country on Saturday.
Shields played for New Zealand Under-20s but ended his hopes of a senior cap when he opted to play for England, who he qualifies for through his parents.
“He is going to be going out facing the haka, facing a team that he has always wanted to play for,” said Hansen.
“It will tug at his heartstrings, you wouldn’t be human if it didn’t.”
Shields, who won the IRB Junior World Championships in 2011 with New Zealand’s age-grade team, said earlier this week that “there are going to be some emotions, there is no hiding from that”.
Hansen found going up against his native New Zealand “pretty raw” when he worked as Wales coach between 2002 and 2004, but backed Shields to keep his emotions in check.
“I think he’ll find it tough, but he is a quality man and a good rugby player so he will deal with it in his own way,” he added
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Venue Twickenham Date 10 November Kick-off 1500 GMTCover
1. Venue: Twickenham Date: 10 November Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Coverage: Radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 live (build-up
from 14:30) and live text commentary on BBC Sport website.
Highlights on BBC Two at 19:30 GMT.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says England’s New Zealand-
born flanker Brad Shields will find it “tough” playing against
his native country on Saturday.
Shields played for New Zealand Under-20s but ended his hopes
of a senior cap when he opted to play for England, who he
qualifies for through his parents.
“He is going to be going out facing the haka, facing a team that
he has always wanted to play for,” said Hansen.
“It will tug at his heartstrings, you wouldn’t be human if it
didn’t.”
Shields, who won the IRB Junior World Championships in 2011
with New Zealand’s age-grade team, said earlier this week that
“there are going to be some emotions, there is no hiding from
that”.
Hansen found going up against his native New Zealand “pretty
raw” when he worked as Wales coach between 2002 and 2004,
but backed Shields to keep his emotions in check.
“I think he’ll find it tough, but he is a quality man and a good
rugby player so he will deal with it in his own way,” he added
