4. JVP Shines under Borthwick.
Sticking with the newly appointed Borthwick, young scrum half Jack Van Poortvliet could certainly prosper for England this coming Six Nations. The Leicester connection with his coach could put the 21-year-old in good stead for selection, and he will gain valuable experience alongside Tigers teammate, and all-time leading England capped player Ben Youngs.
Like a bolt of electricity striking across the pitch, Van Poortvliet quickly gained the approval of England supporters. Marking his debut with a try, in the 2022 Summer Series against Australia, JVP has made an excellent early impression.
Van Poortvliet could be the natural heir to Young’s number nine England jersey, with the succession taking place following the World Cup. Youngs will expectedly be included in the squad to go to France, as his experience will be useful for England’s youthful stars at their first major tournaments. In what could be a ‘passing of the torch’ at the World Cup, this Six Nations can act as the essential preparation stage for Van Poortvliet.
England fans are hopeful that Borthwick will give opportunities to those players who his predecessor Eddie Jones refused to, or simply overlooked at the time. Yet with Borthwick’s knowledge of Van Poortvliet’s capabilities, the Leicester Tigers academy graduate has the perfect environment to grow.