Max Ojomoh Provides Champagne Moment for English Side to Signify Arrival on Big Stage.
This marks a curious feature of England's autumn clean sweep that there were no debutants made their first cap during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's display against Argentina while securing his second appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a major talent.
Standout Performance in Hard-Fought Win
He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's least convincing outing of the autumn. He finished off the first try before creating the remaining two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for the team's third try was equally impressive, concluding a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the young player.
Ojomoh possesses the kind of triple threat that every manager would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at fly-half and at both centre positions for Bath this season.
Quick Rise and Upcoming Prospects
It is just a little over a week since the head coach might have felt he had discovered his midfield duo for the future. However, the best compliment that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach might need to reconsider. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team previously, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to other players created the opportunity for him to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when England reconvene to start their Six Nations quest in the coming months.
- Multiple Abilities: Can play fly-half and centre.
- Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
- Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.
Team Background and Wider Implications
Where might the team have been against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their best player. England experienced an natural decline in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps the coach ought to have freshened things up.
Some perspective is required, though. It is tempting to criticize the side for their failure to bring much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were dominating. But, this result completes a clean sweep of November matches for the first time since recent years. The year concludes with 11 straight wins after starting with a defeat. We are midway in the World Cup cycle and things look much more positive for the coach than they did at this stage.
Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy
Borthwick appears that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the squad he will take to Australia. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are not many existing players of the squad who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.
This is an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it became apparent that certain players were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have taken action sooner, avoiding the difficult beginning that affected the squad in the past.
Player rankings seem like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches swear by them and the coach can be satisfied with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking narrow loss. The fact they avoided that is largely due to Ojomoh, fortune, and the strength of England's bench. As Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.