England's preparations for their final Autumn Nations Series fixture have been dealt a significant blow, with centre Fraser Dingwall ruled out of the crucial clash against Argentina at Twickenham.
The 26-year-old, who scored a try in last week's impressive victory over the All Blacks, has failed to recover from a side injury sustained during that match. His absence forces head coach Steve Borthwick into a fourth enforced change to his starting lineup.
Ojomoh Steps into the Breach
Filling the void at inside centre will be Bath midfielder Max Ojomoh, who earns just his second cap for his country. The 25-year-old is promoted to the starting XV to partner the experienced Henry Slade in a reshuffled midfield.
Ojomoh, the son of former England flanker Steve Ojomoh, made his international debut against the United States in July. He has been a consistent performer for Bath and impressed while covering at fly-half during the early part of the current club season.
England's senior assistant coach, Richard Wigglesworth, confirmed the change. "Unfortunately, Fraser Dingwall picked up a side injury during the game [last week]," Wigglesworth stated. "We thought he was going to be alright but he has not quite made it for this one. It's nothing serious. So, Max Ojomoh comes straight into the starting team at 12."
Mounting Injury Concerns for Borthwick
Dingwall's withdrawal is the latest in a series of injury setbacks for Steve Borthwick's squad. The head coach was already contending with the absence of three other starters: wing Tom Roebuck, hooker Jamie George, and centre Ollie Lawrence, who had partnered Dingwall against New Zealand.
This injury crisis has compelled Borthwick to freshen up his side significantly for what he hopes will be a strong finish to the year. Wigglesworth explained the decision to select Ojomoh, highlighting the player's readiness for the step up.
"There were numerous things we could have done," Wigglesworth said. "It's a starting berth and we have someone of Max's quality who has played so well for Bath for an extended period of time... he's the guy who deserves the opportunity and we feel like he's ready to take the next step."
He praised Ojomoh's attacking prowess, noting, "Max is an elite-level attacker, in terms of his ball movement, his vision, how he connects on the run. You see the teams that he plays in, how much better he makes them when they've got the ball."
A Crucial Test at Twickenham
The match against Argentina represents a significant test for the talented but inexperienced Ojomoh. England are aiming to extend their unbeaten run to 11 consecutive victories, having already beaten the Pumas twice earlier in the year.
Borthwick had previously hinted he might consider deploying back-rower Ben Earl in the centres, but has instead placed his faith in the specialist skills of Ojomoh. This selection offers a clear vote of confidence in a player long-regarded as one of English rugby's promising talents, a status he cemented during Bath's Premiership title-winning campaign last season.
All eyes will now be on the new midfield partnership of Slade and Ojomoh as England seek to navigate their injury woes and secure another victory against formidable opposition.
