Max Ojomoh Provides Champagne Highlight for England to Mark Arrival on Big Stage.
This marks a interesting feature of England's November clean sweep that no new players made their first cap during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against Argentina while securing his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.
Star Display in Tight Win
Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's least convincing outing of the autumn. He scored the first try before creating the other two. His assist for his teammate via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Similarly, his popped pass to Henry Slade for England's third try was just as eye-catching, concluding a excellent first outing at Twickenham for the young player.
He has the sort of triple threat that every manager would want from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this campaign.
Rapid Ascent and Future Prospects
It is just eight days since the head coach could have believed he had discovered his midfield duo for the future. However, the best compliment that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to reconsider. He was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to bide his time until the last game of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for him to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a further appearance when England reconvene to begin their Six Nations campaign in the coming months.
- Multiple Abilities: Excels at number ten and midfield.
- Crucial Input: Scored one try and set up two more.
- Important Performance: Delivered when teammates were injured.
Team Context and Wider Significance
Where might the team have been against Argentina without him? Certainly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Maybe Borthwick ought to have made more changes.
Some perspective is required, though. It is tempting to criticize England for their failure to bring much urgency into this contest, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. However, this outcome marks a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since recent years. The year ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a defeat. We are midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did at this stage.
Player Pool and Future Planning
Borthwick appears that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the core group of the squad he will bring to the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are very few current members of the squad who are not on track for the upcoming event.
That represents an advantage because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, preventing the difficult start that plagued the squad in the previous cycle.
Player rankings sound like they belong to sailors of the past, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be happy 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, fortune, and the quality of the bench. While the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.