Max Ojomoh Provides Sparkling Highlight for English Side to Signify Arrival on Big Stage.
It is a curious aspect of the English team's November clean sweep that there were no debutants made their international debut during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's display against the Argentine side while earning his second cap seemed to be the breakthrough of a major talent.
Star Performance in Tight Win
He proved to be the key player in what was the team's most challenging performance of the November series. He finished off the first try before setting up the other two. His assist for his teammate via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's third try was equally impressive, capping off a fine first outing at the home stadium for the young player.
Ojomoh possesses the kind of triple threat that every manager would want 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 season.
Rapid Ascent and Future Prospects
Only eight days since the head coach might have felt he had discovered his midfield duo for the future. But, the highest praise that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick might need to think again. He was initially selected to an England squad four years ago, but had to wait until the last game of the summer tour to make his debut. Fitness issues to other players paved the way for him to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when England regroup to start their Six Nations quest in the new year.
- Multiple Abilities: Can play fly-half and midfield.
- Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
- Important Performance: Stepped up when others were injured.
Team Context and Broader Implications
Where might England have fared against their opponents without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their best player. England showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a major win over New Zealand. Maybe the coach ought to have freshened things up.
Some perspective is needed, however. It is tempting to lambast the side for their failure to bring much urgency into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were dominating. But, this outcome marks a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the first time since 2016. The year ends with 11 straight wins after starting with a defeat. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.
Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy
Borthwick appears that, two years out from the global tournament, he knows the core group of the squad he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the upcoming event.
This is an advantage because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it became apparent that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, avoiding the difficult beginning that affected the squad in the past.
Player rankings sound like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but coaches rely on them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, England might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to Ojomoh, fortune, and the strength of England's bench. While the coach plots a course to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the lack of quality of this performance.