Ojomoh Delivers Sparkling Highlight for English Side to Signify Emergence on Big Stage.
This marks a curious feature of the English team's autumn perfect record that no new players earned their first cap throughout the series of matches, something not seen in 25 years. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against the Argentine side while earning his second cap seemed to be the arrival of a future star.
Standout Display in Tight Victory
Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's least convincing performance of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before creating the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's final score was just as impressive, capping off a excellent first outing at Twickenham for the young player.
Ojomoh possesses the kind of versatile skillset that every manager would want 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 campaign.
Rapid Rise and Upcoming Prospects
It is just eight days since the head coach could have believed he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the long term. But, the highest praise that can be paid to the young star is that Borthwick may have to reconsider. Ojomoh was initially selected to an England squad previously, but had to bide his time until the last game of the overseas trip to make his debut. Injuries to other players created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when England regroup to start their championship quest in the coming months.
- Multiple Abilities: Can play fly-half and centre.
- Crucial Input: Scored one try and assisted two.
- Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were injured.
Squad Background and Broader Significance
Where might England have fared against their opponents without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and maybe it is not surprising that he was their best player. The team showed an natural decline in energy following a major win over New Zealand. Maybe Borthwick ought to have freshened things up.
A balanced view is required, however. One might be inclined to lambast England for their failure to bring much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. However, this result marks a clean sweep of November matches for the first time since 2016. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a loss. The team is halfway through the World Cup cycle and things look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.
Squad Depth and Future Planning
Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he knows the vast majority of the team he will take to the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are very few current members of the roster who are not in contention for the upcoming event.
This is an benefit because it was a problem for his predecessor, who struggled when it was clear that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the difficult start that plagued the squad in the previous cycle.
Player rankings sound like they are for seafarers of the past, but coaches swear by them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking narrow loss. The fact they avoided that is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the strength of England's substitutes. While the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can overlook the lack of quality of the recent display.