Ojomoh Delivers Champagne Moment for England to Signify Arrival on Grand Platform.
This marks a curious aspect of the English team's autumn perfect record that no new players made their international debut during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's display against the Argentine side while earning his second appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a future star.
Star Performance in Tight Victory
Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's least convincing outing of the November series. He finished off the first try before setting up the remaining two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Similarly, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's final score was equally eye-catching, capping off a fine first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.
Ojomoh possesses the sort of versatile skillset that every manager desire from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at fly-half and at both centre positions for Bath this season.
Rapid Rise and Future Prospects
Only 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 given to the young star is that the coach might need to reconsider. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a third cap when the squad reconvene to start their Six Nations quest in the new year.
- Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and midfield.
- Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
- Timely Impact: Delivered when others were injured.
Team Background and Broader Implications
Where might England have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. England showed an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick should have made more changes.
Some perspective is needed, though. One might be inclined to criticize England for their failure to bring much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were dominating. However, this outcome marks a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since recent years. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. We are midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did previously.
Player Pool and Future Planning
Borthwick appears that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he understands the core group of the squad he will bring to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are very few existing players of the roster 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 certain players were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, preventing the difficult beginning that affected the team in the past.
Depth charts seem like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching late defeat. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of England's bench. As Borthwick plans the route to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the paucity of the recent display.