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It is a interesting aspect of England's autumn clean sweep that no new players made their first cap throughout the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against Argentina while earning his second cap seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.

Standout Performance in Tight Win

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's least convincing outing of the autumn. He finished off the opening touchdown before creating the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the first half. Similarly, his popped pass to the center for England's third try was just as eye-catching, capping off a excellent debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the kind of triple threat that all coaches desire 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 season.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Opportunities

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. But, the highest praise that can be paid to Ojomoh is that the coach might need to think again. He was first called up to an England squad four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to other players created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when the squad regroup to begin their championship quest in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Delivered when teammates were unavailable.

Team Context and Wider Implications

How would the team have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. The team experienced an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over New Zealand. Perhaps Borthwick should have freshened things up.

Some perspective is needed, though. One might be inclined to lambast England for their failure to inject much intensity into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were dominating. However, this outcome marks a perfect record of November matches for the first time since recent years. The year ends with 11 straight wins after starting with a loss. The team is midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did previously.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick appears that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to Australia. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are very few current members of the roster who are not on track for the upcoming event.

This is an advantage because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that certain players were not going to feature in his strategy. He seems to have taken action earlier, avoiding the torrid start that plagued the team in the past.

Depth charts seem like they are for seafarers of the past, but coaches swear by them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, fortune, and the quality of the substitutes. As Borthwick plots a course to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the lack of quality of this performance.