Max Ojomoh Provides Champagne Highlight for England to Mark Arrival on Grand Platform.

It is a curious feature of the English team's November clean sweep that no new players earned their international debut throughout the series of matches, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's display against Argentina while earning his second appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a future star.

Star Performance in Tight Victory

Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's least convincing performance of the autumn. He scored the first try before creating the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for England's third try was equally eye-catching, concluding a excellent debut performance at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

He has the kind of triple threat that every manager desire from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this campaign.

Rapid 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 long term. However, the highest praise that can be paid to the young star is that the coach may have to reconsider. Ojomoh was first called up to an England squad previously, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when the squad reconvene to start their championship campaign in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when others were injured.

Team Context and Wider Significance

How would England have been against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. The team showed an natural decline in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick should have made more changes.

A balanced view is required, however. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their failure to inject much intensity into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. But, this outcome marks a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since recent years. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a loss. The team is halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

Borthwick appears that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he knows the core group of the squad he will take to the host nation. 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.

This is an benefit because it was a problem for his predecessor, who struggled when it became apparent that certain players were not going to feature in his plans. He seems to have taken action earlier, avoiding the torrid beginning that affected the squad in the past.

Depth charts sound like they are for seafarers of the past, but managers swear by them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, the team might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching late defeat. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of England's bench. While the coach plans the route to the championship, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can overlook the lack of quality of the recent display.