England flanker Brad Shields cops it on social media after pear-shaped offload attempt

Ex-Hurricanes and new England flanker Brad Shields has copped the wrath of English fans for attempting an offload that went pear-shaped, slipping from his grasp and flying metres forward into the in-goal.

Shields' mistake came as he broke away down the right sideline as England searched for a go-ahead score, trailing 11-9 with less than 10 minutes remaining.

Luckily for Shields, England won a penalty from the ensuing scrum that Owen Farrell kicked to re-take the lead 12-11, which was the final score of the match.

Shields - picked over a number of local prospects - start to his international career hasn't been up to the level expected of an England recruit according to many fans.

Shields had a mixed performance against South Africa, winning two turnovers and making 10 tackles, but he also conceding a penalty and making the crucial offloading mistake, which the commentatory team labeled 'awful'.

"Brad Shields has to keep hold of this ball," they said.

"Step infield, control it, not the moment to throw that speculative pass. That's awful."

If retained in the starting lineup next week, Brad Shields will face off against the All Blacks for the first time with a point to prove.

England fans will be hoping he at least shelves the offload for the occasion.

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