Ojomoh Provides Champagne Highlight for England to Mark Emergence on Big Stage.
This marks a interesting aspect of England's November perfect record that no new players earned their international debut during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's display against Argentina while earning his second appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a future star.
Star Display in Tight Win
Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's most challenging outing of the November series. He scored the first try before setting up the other two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for the team's final score was equally eye-catching, capping off a excellent debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.
He has the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches desire from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this campaign.
Rapid Rise and Upcoming Prospects
It is just eight days since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. However, the highest praise that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach might need to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected to an England squad previously, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a further appearance when England reconvene to begin their Six Nations quest in the coming months.
- Multiple Abilities: Excels at fly-half and midfield.
- Key Contributions: Scored one try and assisted two.
- Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were unavailable.
Squad Context and Wider Implications
Where might England have been against Argentina without him? Certainly they had some fortune and maybe it is not surprising that he was their best player. The team experienced an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Perhaps the coach should have freshened things up.
A balanced view is required, however. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their failure to bring much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. But, this result marks a perfect record of November matches for the first time since recent years. 2025 ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a defeat. We are midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did at this stage.
Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy
Borthwick appears that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to the host nation. Naturally, 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.
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 feature in his strategy. He seems to have taken action earlier, preventing the torrid beginning that plagued the squad in the past.
Player rankings sound like they belong to sailors of yesteryear, but coaches rely on them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, luck, and the strength of the substitutes. While the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can overlook the lack of quality of this performance.