Max Ojomoh Delivers Sparkling Highlight for England to Signify Arrival on Big Stage.
It is a curious feature of England's autumn clean sweep that no new players earned their first cap throughout the recent campaign, something not seen in 25 years. However, Max Ojomoh's display against the Argentine side while earning his second appearance felt like the arrival of a major talent.
Star Display in Hard-Fought Victory
He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's least convincing performance of the autumn. He scored the first try before setting up the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the first half. Similarly, his popped pass to the center for England's third try was equally eye-catching, concluding a excellent debut performance at Twickenham for the young player.
He has the kind of triple threat that all coaches desire from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for his club this season.
Quick Ascent and Upcoming Opportunities
It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his centre partnership for the future. However, the best compliment that can be paid to Ojomoh is that the coach might need to reconsider. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team previously, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Injuries to teammates paved the way for him to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when England reconvene to begin their Six Nations quest in the new year.
- Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and midfield.
- Crucial Input: Scored one try and assisted two.
- Important Performance: Delivered when others were unavailable.
Squad Context and Broader Implications
How would the team have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they had some fortune and maybe it is not surprising that he was their best player. The team showed an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick should have freshened things up.
A balanced view is needed, however. One might be inclined to lambast England for their inability to bring much urgency into this contest, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. However, this outcome completes a perfect record of November matches for the first time since 2016. The year concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a defeat. The team is midway in the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did at this stage.
Player Pool and Future Planning
Borthwick appears that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the core group of the team he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are very few existing players of the roster who are not on track for the upcoming event.
This is an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to feature in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, preventing the difficult start that plagued the squad in the past.
Depth charts seem like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches swear by them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, fortune, and the quality of England's substitutes. While the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can overlook the paucity of this performance.