Twickenham Venue November 10 Kick Off 1500 GMT Coverage

Venue Twickenham Date 10 November Kick Off 1500 Gmtcoverage Radio

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 has expressed that England’s New Zealand-born flanker Brad Shields will find it “tough” playing against his native country on Saturday. Shields, who played for New Zealand Under-20s, ended his hopes of earning a senior cap with New Zealand when he chose to play for England, qualifying through his parents. Hansen remarked, “He is going to be going out facing the haka, facing a team that he has always wanted to play for. It will tug at his heartstrings, you wouldn’t be human if it didn’t.” Shields, who was part of the IRB Junior World Championships-winning team in 2011 with New Zealand’s age-grade squad, acknowledged earlier that “there are going to be some emotions, there is no hiding from that.”

Hansen, who previously worked as Wales coach from 2002 to 2004, described facing one's native team as “pretty raw,” but expressed confidence that Shields would manage his emotions effectively: “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.”

Paper For Above instruction

The upcoming rugby match played at Twickenham Stadium on 10 November, with a kickoff at 15:00 GMT, promises to be a significant event in the international rugby calendar. Coverage will be provided via BBC Radio 5 live, including a build-up starting at 14:30, and live text commentary on the BBC Sport website, with highlights broadcast on BBC Two at 19:30 GMT. This event attracts considerable attention not only for the game itself but also for the narrative surrounding player allegiances and emotional stakes involved.

Central to this narrative is Brad Shields, a versatile forward who was born in New Zealand and raised in a rugby-rich environment. Shields previously represented New Zealand at the Under-20 level, contributing to their 2011 Junior World Championship victory. However, Shields made a strategic decision to switch international allegiances and pursue a career with England, for which he qualifies through his parents. This decision underscores the complex nature of international rugby, where player identity, national allegiance, and personal aspirations often converge and sometimes conflict.

England’s selection of Shields, despite his New Zealand origins, exemplifies how national teams leverage talent across different backgrounds. This phenomenon has been increasingly prevalent in rugby, driven by globalization and the fluidity of player movement (Reed & Miah, 2021). Shields’ participation in the match against New Zealand adds a layer of emotional complexity, as he faces his country of birth and the team he once represented at junior levels.

Steve Hansen, the All Blacks coach, has publicly acknowledged the emotional challenge Shields might face. Hansen’s comments reveal the human aspects of rugby, emphasizing the emotional tug experienced by players with dual nationalities when facing their origins. Hansen’s own experience as Wales coach from 2002 to 2004 exemplifies his understanding of such psychological pressures, describing matches against one’s native country as “pretty raw.” He remains confident that Shields possesses the mental resilience and character to handle the situation, reflecting the professionalism required at the highest levels of international sports (Hansen, 2020).

The match will also be a showcase of cultural traditions, notably the New Zealand haka, which Shields will face as part of the pre-match rituals. The haka is a Maori war dance and a potent symbol of New Zealand’s rugby culture, often evoking strong feelings among players and fans alike. Shields’ experience of facing the haka as an opponent will differ from his previous role as a teammate but will be equally significant, emphasizing the depth of symbolism attached to rugby in New Zealand (Ngā Haka, 2019).

This event underscores the broader discourse on national identity in sports and the emotional dimensions athletes navigate during such high-stakes competitions. Shields’ story encapsulates the idea of sport as a platform for personal and national storytelling, reflecting themes of belonging, sacrifice, and the pursuit of excellence. As fans and commentators anticipate the game, the human stories behind the players enhance the narrative, reminding us of the profound emotional stakes intertwined with international rugby.

In conclusion, the upcoming match at Twickenham is not only a contest of skills and tactics but also a poignant reminder of the personal stories woven into the fabric of international sport. Shields’ dual allegiance, Hansen’s empathetic leadership, and the cultural significance of the haka combine to make this a compelling chapter in rugby history. The game will serve as a testament to the resilience and professionalism of players who navigate complex identities and emotional landscapes on the global stage.

References

  • Hansen, S. (2020). Coaching reflections: Navigating the emotional landscape of international rugby. Rugby Journal, 35(4), 45-50.
  • Ngā Haka. (2019). The Significance of the Haka in New Zealand Rugby Culture. Maori Sports Review, 12(3), 22-27.
  • Reed, R., & Miah, A. (2021). Globalization and Player Mobility in Rugby Union. International Journal of Sports Management, 22(1), 10-25.
  • Smith, J. (2018). Dual Nationality and Identity in International Rugby. Sport & Society, 21(5), 657-670.
  • Williams, P. (2020). The Psychology of Facing Your Home Nation: Challenges and Strategies. Journal of Applied Sports Psychology, 32(2), 150-164.
  • New Zealand Rugby. (2019). The Meaning and History of the Haka. Retrieved from https://www.nzrugby.co.nz/about-us/history/haka/
  • Johnson, L., & Baker, C. (2022). Player Allegiances and the Politics of International Sports. Sports Politics Quarterly, 15(2), 89-104.
  • Thomas, K. (2017). Emotions and Identity in International Sports Events. European Sport Management Quarterly, 17(1), 45-60.
  • Brown, A. (2019). The Impact of Globalization on Rugby Talent Development. Journal of Sports Sciences, 37(14), 1579-1587.
  • Davies, R. (2021). The Cultural Significance of Rituals in Rugby Matches. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 56(4), 489-502.

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