Antoine Dupont's master class for Toulouse in their European Cup triumph over Leinster merely demonstrated to the Tigers scrum-half just what is needed to get back into Steve Borthwick's England plans for the tour to Japan and New Zealand.
Van Poortvliet spent much of the time recovering from the devastating ankle injury suffered against Wales last summer which ended his World Cup dream watching games and wishing he was fit enough to get back out onto the field.
He travelled to France to watch his team-mates face Samoa during the pool stage to cheer them on and be near the action he was so badly yearning.
Now, he has taken lessons from how the "freakish" Dupont inspired Toulouse to Champions Cup glory last Saturday even when Leinster's renowned defence was trying to suffocate his brilliant flair and skill.
Van Poortvliet, 23, told The Rugby Paper: "He's clearly the best scrumhalf in the world right now, and all of us can try and set our aspirations to emulate some of the stuff he does.
Esta historia es de la edición June 02, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
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Esta historia es de la edición June 02, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
