Max Ojomoh Delivers Champagne Highlight for England to Signify Arrival on Big Stage.
This marks a interesting aspect of the English team's November perfect record that no new players made their international debut throughout the series of matches, something not seen in 25 years. However, Max Ojomoh's display against the Argentine side while securing his second cap seemed to be the arrival of a future star.
Star Display in Hard-Fought Victory
Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's least convincing performance of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite long pass was the champagne moment of the first half. Likewise, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's final score was equally impressive, capping off a fine first outing at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.
Ojomoh possesses the kind of triple threat that all coaches desire from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at number ten and at both centre positions for Bath this campaign.
Rapid Rise and Future Prospects
Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his centre partnership for the long term. But, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick may have to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Injuries to teammates paved the way for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in contention for a third cap when the squad regroup to begin their championship quest in the new year.
- Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and centre.
- Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
- Timely Impact: Delivered when teammates were unavailable.
Team Context and Broader Implications
How would the team have been against their opponents without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. England showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over New Zealand. Maybe Borthwick ought to have made more changes.
Some perspective is required, however. It is tempting to lambast the side for their failure to bring much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were dominating. But, this outcome completes a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since 2016. The year concludes with 11 straight wins after beginning with a defeat. The team is midway in the World Cup cycle and things look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.
Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy
The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are not many existing players of the squad who are not on track for the upcoming event.
That represents an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. Borthwick seems to have taken action sooner, preventing the difficult beginning that plagued the squad in the past.
Player rankings sound like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the strength of England's bench. As Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can overlook the lack of quality of the recent display.