England legend Ben Youngs believes Jack van Poortvliet has put himself in pole position to claim the No.9 shirt heading towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The former England scrum-half was full of praise following Sunday's 45-22 demolition of Australia at Twickenham.
Writing in his latest Daily Mail column, England's most-capped player delivered a glowing verdict on the Leicester Tigers star.
Van Poortvliet scored one of England's seven tries, although his performance wasn't entirely spotless.
As RUCK's England player ratings highlighted, one loose pass gifted Australia a try before the scrum-half bounced back after the break.
Ben Youngs delivers his verdict
"It was a great statement from Van Poortvliet in the No9 jersey. It was the best game he’s had in an England shirt."
Youngs was particularly impressed by how the 25-year-old responded after his interception pass handed Max Jorgensen Australia's opening try.
"I loved the maturity he showed when he threw an interception pass for Australia’s first try. He just parked it and moved on to the next thing."
The former England international explained why that response mattered so much.
"As a nine, you make more decisions than anyone else on the pitch. Every ruck is a decision."
Alex Mitchell faces a fight
With Alex Mitchell ruled out of the entire autumn campaign, Van Poortvliet has been handed a golden opportunity.
And Youngs believes Mitchell's absence may have helped his former Leicester teammate play with greater freedom.
"I think the fact Alex Mitchell is out injured freed up Van Poortvliet."
After months of chopping and changing, England's scrum-half debate has taken another twist.
Youngs certainly isn't sitting on the fence.
"It’s Van Poortvliet’s shirt to lose now. If he plays like that for the next three weekends, then he’s in the hot seat for the World Cup."
That's quite the endorsement from England's most-capped player.
Mitchell has been Borthwick's preferred option when fit, but Van Poortvliet has thrown a rather large spanner into the selection debate.
Next up is Japan on Saturday, with RUCK already including Van Poortvliet in our predicted England XV to face the Brave Blossoms.
Then come the All Blacks. The perfect opportunity to show Australia wasn't a one-off.
