🔗 Share this article

This marks a interesting aspect of the English team's November clean sweep that no new players earned their international debut throughout the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while securing his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.

Star Display in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's most challenging outing of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before creating the remaining two. His assist for his teammate via a exquisite cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for the team's third try was just as impressive, capping off a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Opportunities

It is just eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. But, the best compliment that can be paid to Ojomoh 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 overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when England reconvene to start their Six Nations quest in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play fly-half and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Team Background and Broader Implications

Where might the team have fared against their opponents without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team experienced 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 lambast the side for their inability to bring much intensity into this contest, or for nearly losing a fixture they were dominating. But, this outcome completes a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since recent years. The year concludes with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a loss. The team is midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Future Planning

The manager appears that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he understands the core group of the team he will take to Australia. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are not many existing players of the squad who are not on track for the upcoming event.

This is an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it was clear that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, avoiding the difficult beginning that affected the squad in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but managers swear by them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, England might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not is largely due to the young star, fortune, and the strength of the bench. While Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.