Ojomoh Provides Champagne Highlight for English Side to Signify Arrival on Big Stage.
This marks a interesting feature of England's November perfect record that there were no debutants earned their international debut during the recent campaign, something not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's display against Argentina while earning his second cap felt like the arrival of a future star.
Star Performance in Hard-Fought Win
Ojomoh was the star turn in what was England's most challenging performance of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the first half. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's final score was just as impressive, capping off a excellent first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.
Ojomoh possesses the sort of triple threat that every manager desire from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this campaign.
Rapid Ascent and Future Opportunities
It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his centre partnership for the future. However, the highest praise that can be paid to Ojomoh is that Borthwick might need to reconsider. Ojomoh was initially selected to an England squad four years ago, but had to bide his time until the last game of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Injuries to other players created the opportunity for him to start here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when the squad regroup to begin their Six Nations quest in the coming months.
- Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and centre.
- Key Contributions: Scored one try and assisted two.
- Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were injured.
Squad Context and Broader Implications
Where might the team have been against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Maybe Borthwick ought to have freshened things up.
Some perspective is needed, though. One might be inclined to criticize England for their failure to bring much intensity into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were dominating. However, this result marks a clean sweep of November matches for the first time since recent years. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a defeat. The team is midway in the World Cup cycle and things look much more positive for Borthwick than they did previously.
Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy
The manager appears that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he understands the core group of the team he will take to the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are not many existing players of the squad who are not in contention for the upcoming event.
That represents an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it was clear that veterans were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have taken action earlier, preventing the difficult beginning that plagued the squad in the past.
Player rankings sound like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches swear by them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of England's substitutes. As Borthwick plots a course to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the lack of quality of this performance.