The former Hurricanes skipper Brad Shields remains in contention to play against the All Blacks as England coach Eddie Jones trimmed his squad to 25.
Brad Shields Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Shields, who left to play for Wasps following this year's Super Rugby competition, is eligible for England through his English parents.
He has made two appearances for England against South Africa in June.
With flanker Tom Curry out of the November internationals with an ankle injury, Shields stands a good chance of making the squad to play the All Blacks at Twickenham this weekend.
the All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster says Shields came "very close" to New Zealand selection before opting to represent England.
Shields was born in Masterton.
Foster said the 27-year-old knew how close he was to All Blacks honours when he headed to the northern hemisphere.
"I guess the obvious answer, which really is the only answer, is that the selectors didn't pick him," said Foster.
"It's like everything - when you're selecting a national team, there's a whole lot of good players that don't quite make it.
"He knew he was knocking on the door; he's a fine player and he was very close.
"So no, I'm not going to give you reasons why we didn't pick him.
"But what we do know is that he is a quality person, he did a great job off the field in the Hurricanes and he was in the conversation a lot with us.
"There will be a bit of banter (among the players) I'm assuming afterwards, but everyone's pretty focused on what we do.
South Africa's Eben Etzebeth and Brad Shields of England Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"I think we've got over the stage of seeing him in a white jersey now. And he's just a loosey (loose-forward) who plays for England."
Shields represented New Zealand at Under-20s level but is now an integral part of Jones' England set-up.
His decision to change tack and chase honours with England has previously polarised opinion in the game, but Foster remained personally phlegmatic about the issue.
Asked if such moves are generally respected within the sport, Foster said: "I don't know; I think everyone's going to have mixed opinions on that.
"So you'll probably find people that are close to those players and family that might support it, then you'd have others with a different view on players jumping into a national team from another country so quickly.
"But look, it's an issue I don't really want to talk about. It is what it is; he's not alone, there's a few more in a few other teams.
"So it is what it is, in the current laws."
-AAP
