Ojomoh Delivers Sparkling Highlight for English Side to Mark Arrival on Big Stage.
This marks a interesting aspect of the English team's autumn perfect record that there were no debutants earned their first cap during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against Argentina while earning his second cap felt like the arrival of a major talent.
Star Performance in Hard-Fought Win
Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's least convincing performance of the autumn. He finished off the opening touchdown before creating the other two. His assist for his teammate via a delightful cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the first half. Likewise, his popped pass to the center for England's third try was equally eye-catching, concluding a fine first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.
Ojomoh possesses the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.
Rapid Rise and Future Opportunities
Only a little over a week since the head coach could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. But, the highest praise that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to reconsider. He was initially selected to an national team previously, but had to wait until the last game of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for him to start here, and he surely will be in contention for a further appearance when England regroup to start their Six Nations quest in the coming months.
- Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and midfield.
- Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
- Timely Impact: Stepped up when teammates were injured.
Squad Context and Wider Significance
Where might the team have fared against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. The team showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over New Zealand. Perhaps Borthwick should have freshened things up.
Some perspective is required, however. One might be inclined to criticize the side for their failure to bring much urgency into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were dominating. However, this outcome completes a perfect record of November matches for the first time since recent years. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a defeat. The team is halfway through the four-year tournament plan and the situation look much more positive for Borthwick than they did previously.
Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy
The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to Australia. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many current members of the squad who are not in contention for the upcoming event.
That represents an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it became apparent that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have taken action earlier, preventing the torrid beginning that affected the squad in the past.
Depth charts seem like they are for sailors of the past, but coaches rely on them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, England might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of the bench. As the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.