Max Ojomoh Delivers Champagne Highlight for England to Mark Emergence on Big Stage.
It is a interesting aspect of England's November clean sweep that no new players made their international debut throughout the series of matches, something not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against the Argentine side while earning his second cap felt like the arrival of a future star.
Standout Performance in Hard-Fought Win
Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's most challenging performance of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. His assist for his teammate via a exquisite long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Similarly, his popped pass to the center for England's third try was just as impressive, capping off a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the young player.
He has the sort of triple threat that all coaches desire from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this season.
Rapid Ascent and Future Prospects
Only eight days since the head coach might have felt he had discovered his midfield duo for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that the coach may have to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when the squad regroup to start their Six Nations campaign in the coming months.
- Multiple Abilities: Excels at number ten and centre.
- Crucial Input: Scored one try and set up two more.
- Important Performance: Stepped up when others were unavailable.
Team Context and Broader Implications
Where might England have been against Argentina without him? Certainly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. England experienced an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Maybe Borthwick should have made more changes.
A balanced view is needed, though. It is tempting to criticize England for their failure to bring much intensity into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. But, this outcome marks a perfect record of November matches for the first time since 2016. The year concludes with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a defeat. The team is halfway through the four-year tournament plan and the situation look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.
Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy
Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the squad he will take to Australia. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are not many current members of the squad who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.
That represents an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it was clear that certain players were not going to feature in his strategy. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, preventing the difficult beginning that plagued the team in the past.
Depth charts sound like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches swear by them and the coach can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching late defeat. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to the young star, fortune, and the strength of England's substitutes. As Borthwick plans the route to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of the recent display.