🔗 Share this article

It is a interesting aspect of England's November perfect record that there were no debutants made their first cap during the series of matches, something not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while earning his second cap seemed to be the breakthrough of a future star.

Star Performance in Tight Win

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's most challenging performance of the November series. He scored the first try before creating the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for the team's third try was just as impressive, capping off a excellent debut performance at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of versatile skillset that all coaches desire from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this season.

Quick Ascent and Future Opportunities

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the future. But, the highest praise that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to reconsider. Ojomoh was initially selected to an England squad previously, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to make his debut. Injuries to other players paved the way for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in consideration for a further appearance when England reconvene to start their Six Nations campaign in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Delivered when teammates were unavailable.

Squad Context and Broader Significance

Where might England have fared against their opponents without him? Certainly they had some fortune and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick should have freshened things up.

Some perspective is needed, though. It is tempting to criticize the side for their inability to inject much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were dominating. But, this outcome marks a clean sweep of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after starting with a loss. The team is halfway through the four-year tournament plan and things look considerably rosier for the coach than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick appears that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the squad he will bring to the host nation. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are very few existing players of the squad who are not on track for the upcoming event.

This is an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans were not going to play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the difficult beginning that plagued the squad in the previous cycle.

Depth charts seem like they are for seafarers of the past, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, England might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking narrow loss. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, fortune, and the strength of the bench. As the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of this performance.