This marks a interesting aspect of England's November perfect record that no new players earned their first cap during the series of matches, something not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against Argentina while securing his second cap felt like the breakthrough of a major talent.
Standout Display in Tight Win
He proved to be the star turn in what was the team'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 exquisite cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Likewise, his popped pass to the center for the team's third try was equally eye-catching, concluding a excellent debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.
He has the sort of triple threat that all coaches desire from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.
Rapid Ascent and Future Prospects
It is just eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his centre partnership for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be paid to Ojomoh is that the coach might need to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team previously, but had to bide his time until the last game of the summer tour to make his debut. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a further appearance when England regroup to begin their championship campaign in the new year.
- Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and centre.
- Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
- Timely Impact: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.
Squad Context and Wider Significance
Where might the team have been against their opponents without Ojomoh? Certainly 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 the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick ought to have made more changes.
Some perspective is required, however. It is tempting to criticize England for their inability to inject much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a game they were dominating. However, this outcome completes a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since recent years. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a defeat. We are midway in the four-year tournament plan and things look considerably rosier for the coach than they did at this stage.
Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy
The manager gives the impression that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he knows the core group of the squad he will bring to Australia. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are very few current members of the roster who are not in contention for the upcoming event.
That represents an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it became apparent that certain players were not going to play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, preventing the difficult beginning that plagued the squad in the past.
Depth charts seem like they belong to sailors of the past, but coaches swear by them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching late defeat. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to the young star, fortune, and the strength of England's 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 therefore we can overlook the paucity of this performance.
