Max Ojomoh Provides Sparkling Highlight for England to Signify Emergence on Grand Platform.
It is a interesting aspect of the English team's November perfect record that there were no debutants made their first cap during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against the Argentine side while securing his second cap seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.
Star Performance in Hard-Fought Victory
He proved to be the key player in what was England's most challenging outing of the autumn. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his popped pass to the center for England's third try was just as eye-catching, concluding a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.
Ojomoh possesses the kind of triple threat that every manager desire from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at both centre positions 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 midfield duo for the future. But, the highest praise that can be paid to the young star is that Borthwick might need to reconsider. He was first called up to an England squad four years ago, but had to bide his time until the final match of the summer tour to make his debut. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a further appearance when England reconvene to start their championship quest in the coming months.
- Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and centre.
- Crucial Input: Scored one try and assisted two.
- Important Performance: Delivered when others were unavailable.
Team Context and Broader Implications
How would the team have fared against Argentina without him? Certainly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their best player. England experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over New Zealand. Perhaps the coach ought to have freshened things up.
Some perspective is needed, though. One might be inclined to lambast England for their inability to bring much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were dominating. But, this outcome marks a clean sweep of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. The year concludes with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a defeat. The team is midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did previously.
Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy
Borthwick appears that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he understands the core group of the team he will bring to Australia. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many existing players of the squad who are not in contention for the upcoming event.
This is an advantage because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it became apparent that certain players were not going to feature in his strategy. He seems to have taken action earlier, avoiding the torrid start that affected the squad in the past.
Player rankings seem like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not is largely due to the young star, luck, and the strength of the bench. As the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can overlook the paucity of the recent display.