It is a curious aspect of England's autumn perfect record that no new players made their international debut throughout the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while securing his second cap felt like the breakthrough of a major talent.
Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's most challenging outing of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before creating the remaining two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his popped pass to the center for the team's final score was just as eye-catching, capping off a fine first outing at Twickenham for the young player.
Ojomoh possesses the kind of versatile skillset that every manager would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at fly-half and at both centre positions for Bath this campaign.
It is just eight days since the head coach could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. However, the highest praise that can be paid to Ojomoh is that Borthwick might need to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an England squad previously, but had to wait until the last game of the overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to other players paved the way for him to start here, and he surely will be in consideration for a further appearance when the squad reconvene to start their championship campaign in the coming months.
Where might England have fared against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England showed an natural decline in energy following a major win over New Zealand. Maybe Borthwick ought to have freshened things up.
A balanced view is needed, though. It is tempting to lambast England for their failure to bring much urgency into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were dominating. But, this result marks a perfect record of November matches for the first time since recent years. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a loss. We are midway in the four-year tournament plan and things look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.
The manager appears that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to the host nation. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many existing players of the squad who are not on track for the upcoming event.
This is an benefit because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who struggled when it was clear that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the difficult start that affected the team in the past.
Player rankings sound like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, 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. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to the young star, fortune, and the strength of the bench. As the coach plots a course 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.
