Ojomoh Delivers Champagne Highlight for English Side to Mark Arrival on Big Stage.
This marks a curious feature of the English team's November perfect record that there were no debutants made their international debut during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against Argentina while earning his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a major talent.
Star Display in Hard-Fought Win
Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's least convincing performance of the November series. He finished off the first try before setting up the remaining two. His assist for his teammate via a exquisite cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the opening period. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for the team's third try was equally eye-catching, concluding a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the young player.
He has the kind of versatile skillset 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.
Rapid Rise and Future Opportunities
It is just eight days since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his midfield duo for the long term. But, the highest praise that can be given to Ojomoh is that Borthwick might need to reconsider. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to make his debut. Fitness issues to other players created the opportunity for him to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a further appearance when England reconvene to start their Six Nations quest in the coming months.
- Multiple Abilities: Excels at fly-half and centre.
- Crucial Input: Scored one try and set up two more.
- Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were injured.
Squad Background and Wider Significance
Where might England have been against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. England showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Perhaps the coach should have made more changes.
Some perspective is needed, however. One might be inclined to lambast England for their failure to bring much urgency into this match, or for nearly losing a fixture they were dominating. However, this result marks a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since recent years. 2025 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 previously.
Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy
Borthwick appears that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the core group of the squad he will bring to Australia. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are very few 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 became apparent that certain players were not going to play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the difficult beginning that affected the team in the past.
Depth charts sound like they are for sailors of the past, but managers rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. On another day, the team might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking narrow loss. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, luck, and the strength of England's bench. While Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.