Max Ojomoh Provides Champagne Moment for English Side to Mark Arrival on Big Stage.
It is a curious aspect of the English team's November clean sweep that there were no debutants earned their first cap throughout the series of matches, something not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while securing his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a future star.
Star Display in Hard-Fought Victory
He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's least convincing outing of the November series. He scored the first try before setting up the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his quick offload to the center for England's final score was just as impressive, capping off a fine first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.
Ojomoh possesses the sort of triple threat that all coaches would want from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this campaign.
Rapid Rise and Future Prospects
It is just eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the future. But, the best compliment that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to think again. He was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to bide his time until the last game of the summer tour to make his debut. Injuries to other players paved the way for Ojomoh to begin here, and he surely will be in contention for a third cap when England reconvene to begin their Six Nations campaign in the new year.
- Versatile Skillset: Excels at number ten and centre.
- Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
- Important Performance: Delivered when teammates were injured.
Squad Context and Broader Significance
How would England have been against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over New Zealand. Perhaps the coach ought to have freshened things up.
A balanced view is required, however. It is tempting to criticize the side for their inability to bring much urgency into this contest, or for almost throwing away a game they were dominating. However, this result completes a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after starting with a loss. We are midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did previously.
Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy
Borthwick gives the impression that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he knows the vast majority of the squad he will bring to Australia. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are not many existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the upcoming event.
This is an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it was clear that veterans were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, preventing the torrid start that plagued the squad in the previous cycle.
Player rankings sound like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches rely on them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, the team might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. The fact they avoided that is largely due to Ojomoh, fortune, and the quality of England's bench. As the coach plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can overlook the lack of quality of this performance.