Former All Blacks scrumhalf Justin Marshall says England’s call-up of Hurricanes flank Brad Shields shows ‘they are a lot more vulnerable’.

The Kiwi was included in Eddie Jones’ squad for their three-match Test series against the Springboks in June, with the player needing special dispensation from New Zealand Rugby to join the squad.

Marshall said Shields’ selection raised doubts about the depth of talent in English rugby.

‘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,’ he added.

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