The Wellington and Hurricanes blindside flanker has been given a set of objectives by the selectors during time with the national squad's wider training group over the past year.
"They definitely want a No 6 who's physical and stands out on the field - big tackles, big hits, [someone who] hits rucks, carries hard, so I think that's one of the main aspects that they want me to improve on, which you've got to relish and look forward to ."
Shields, 22, will be able to show how hard he can hit when the Lions face the All Blacks in a practice game in Lower Hutt tonight.
He's hoping to impress after enjoy the learning curve required of time with the country's best.
"To be in the room with some of those guys is pretty awesome and I think it's going to get to a stage where hopefully I get picked ... if I do I've just got to go hard and keep playing consistent rugby and take the most out of it that I can."
Shields' Hurricanes team-mate Victor Vito was axed from the All Blacks last Sunday as Blues rookie Steven Luatua was chosen as the fifth loose forward in the 28-strong squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship.
Since Jerome Kaino's departure the All Blacks have searched for another bruising blindside and Vito hasn't done enough, while Liam Messam is yet to completely convince but will be given another chance during the four-team tournament.
Shields showed all the ingredients that make a new-age All Blacks No 6 during this year's Super Rugby season, with particularly impressive performances against the Stormers, Chiefs and Crusaders.
But his biggest achievement this season was his ability to stay healthy. After making too many visits to the emergency room previously, Shields appeared in all 16 of the Hurricanes' games this year, including 13 starts at blindside flanker or No 8.
With All Blacks coach Steve Hansen watching on tonight, Shields can give the selectors another reminder of what he can do.
"I think I've just got to keep playing consistently and then it's out of my hands and the coaches will do what they do and hopefully something comes of it."
A big ITM Cup with Wellington should put Shields in pole position to earn a spot on this season's end of year tour with the All Blacks.
