England v Argentina: Winners and losers as late call-up ‘nails audition’ for starting XV amid ‘fascinating side-plot’
Max Ojomoh was among the big winners from England's victory over Argentina at Twickenham
Following England’s 27-23 win over Argentina in the Autumn Nations Series Test, here are our winners and losers from the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Winners
Max Ojomoh
A late call-up into the starting XV, replacing the injured Fraser Dingwall on Friday, but boy oh boy did he take his chance in the side. He started positively with a few threatening carries, efforts which gave him the confidence to bring what the Bath faithful see week-in-week-out to the Test stage.
While it was a potentially fortunate score, his game-reading skills to judge where to be in case of a spill were crucial to his try – in keeping with rugby’s newest trend of ‘crumbs’ – and backed that up with a cross-field kick worthy of an 18+ website. He added another assist for good measure in the second-half.
This performance will come as no surprise to those of the Blue, Black and White persuasion, as he played an integral role in Lee Blackett’s title-winning attack during his own spell at the Rec. His bulk and brawn make him a good option in the carry, but yet he also has those deft playmaking skills to go alongside.
Nailed his audition for a long-term spot in this side, and the Player of the Match gong was a fitting reward.
Ben Spencer
He’s had to be patient for another start in this England side, with Alex Mitchell slotting in as the number nine this autumn, but he looked incredibly comfortable in the run-on group.
Spencer provided a real rhythm to his side’s attack, be it with his distribution, kicking or just control of the tempo, which in turn got them playing some pretty nice rugby. A lot of England’s points came as a direct result of the work he did, notably with his box-kick in the build-up to Ojomoh’s score.
While this is nothing new from Spencer, given that he does this on a weekly basis, it’s another sign that he is more than capable of slotting into the Test XV if needed.
Bench battle
There is a lot of chatter around the replacements now, but Los Bomberos (patent pending) can certainly give themselves a pat on the back for their efforts tonight.
The likes of Tomas Rapetti, Pablo Matera (in his respective shifts) and Joaquin Oviedo came on a difficult time for Argentina, who had a lucky escape as the clock struck 40 we must remember, but they helped them get a foothold in the contest for the first time to eventually take it to 17-16 come the turn of the hour.
But, England’s trusted ‘Pom Squad’ hit back in turn. The introduction of Fin Baxter, Will Stuart, Henry Pollock and in particular Tom Curry helped Borthwick’s side get back onto steadier waters and eventually close out the game – with fellow bench man Charlie Ewels coming up with a pivotal effort in the final act. A tale we’ve already seen thrice this autumn as well.
This was such a fascinating side-plot to proceedings in the Capital, and one that both head coaches will have enjoyed.
Justo Piccardo
While Ojomoh might take the headlines tonight for his Player of the Match effort, Los Pumas‘ own number 12 was also exceptional. The Montpellier man grew into the Test superbly well, ending on a fine tally of 65 metres from 16 carries and a try.
This is also the latest in a line of strong Test outings for the 23-year-old centre, as he continues to establish himself within this exciting backline.
He could be a key man for this side for a long time.
Losers
England discipline
While this was not the cardathon we saw in Dublin last night or Edinburgh earlier today, England’s discipline became an increasing area of concern as the Test went on.
At the turn of the second-half, England repeatedly found themselves overstepping the offside line around the ruck and were also caught with their hands in the breakdown on occasion, too, prompting referee Pierre Brousset to warn both Maro Itoje and George Ford and then eventually ending with Alex Coles being sent to the sin-bin.
These repeated infringements just fuelled confidence in Los Pumas, in turn allowing them to get a foothold in the game and push England to the bitter end.
Borthwick will not be happy with these indiscretions, especially after England had been so disciplined in their previous outings.
Juan Cruz Mallia
He was actually one of his side’s most important players on the night, sitting on 52 metres ball-in-hand from his 15 carries, but he was later helped off by a couple of physios after what looked like a leg injury – which was later touted as an ACL injury by head coach Felipe Contepomi.
Marcus Smith
It’s been another stop-start Test campaign for the two-time Lions tourist, and this was a tough ending for him. He was the only one of England’s replacements not to take to the field in yesterday’s win, despite being seen warming up by himself on several occasions – usually a sign a player is set to come on.
His versatility makes him the ideal number 23 on a 6-2 bench, but unfortunately, he was not called upon this time out.
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