England v New Zealand: Brad Shield says facing All Blacks will be emotional
- Published
Shields was part of the New Zealand Under-20 side that won the IRB Junior World Championship in Italy in 2011.
England flanker Brad Shields says it will be a case of 'enemies on the field and best friends off it' when he faces the All Blacks at Twickenham this weekend.
Wellington-born Shields played for New Zealand Under-20s and captained the Hurricanes before switching allegiance to England this summer.
"There are going to be some emotions, there is no hiding from that," Shields told BBC Sport.
"But it's how you deal with it."
Shields, who qualifies for England through his parents, made his first Twickenham start in the 12-11 victory over South Africa.
The 27-year-old said there would be no hard feelings if he is selected to face New Zealand this weekend and finds himself in opposition to former Hurricanes team-mates such as All Blacks kingpin fly-half Beauden Barrett.
"What's the old saying 'enemies on the field and best friends after the game' - that's my mentality," Shields added.
"I've got some really good mates in the group and it would be a shame to stop talking to them just because you are playing for a different team.
"The Hurricanes were very supportive of my decision, they made the whole transition a lot easier and they are always going to hold a special place in my heart.
"I have taken a different route and everyone has been supportive of that."
'Everything is better after a win'
With England targeting a first win over New Zealand in six years, centre Ben Te'o said the mood in camp had been transformed by the narrow victory over the Springboks.
"Everything is better when you win," Te'o said.
"The air is fresher, the food tastes better, you sleep better.
"If you can just get in that winning mentality, the boys get confidence and there is a real buzz about the place.
"Training has been great so far."
Squad update
England head coach Eddie Jones has retained 25 players to prepare for Saturday's match against New Zealand.
Manu Tuilagi has been included after being declared fit, as has lock Courtney Lawes who replaces Elliott Stooke.
Flanker Sam Underhill could make his international return in place of the injured Tom Curry, while the suspended Alex Lozowski will stay in camp until the end of the week.
However there is again no place for experienced full-back Mike Brown, who was dropped for the meeting with South Africa.
England squad to play New Zealand
Forwards: Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby), Jamie George (Saracens), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) co-captain, Alec Hepburn (Exeter Chiefs), Maro Itoje (Saracens), George Kruis (Saracens), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby), Ben Moon (Exeter Chiefs), Brad Shields (Wasps), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby), Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs), Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons)
Backs: Chris Ashton (Sale Sharks), Danny Care (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Wasps), Owen Farrell (Saracens) co-captain, George Ford (Leicester Tigers), Jonny May (Leicester Tigers), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Te'o (Worcester Warriors), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)