Bath centre Max Ojomoh is set for a dramatic Twickenham debut after a late call-up to the England starting lineup for Sunday's clash against Argentina. The 25-year-old was a surprise inclusion following an injury to fellow midfielder Fraser Dingwall.
A Last-Minute Opportunity
Ojomoh only discovered he would be winning his second cap on Friday, forcing a rapid midfield reshuffle that sees him partner with Henry Slade. This marks a significant moment for the player, whose first Test cap came against the United States in Washington last July.
Watching from the stands will be his father, Steve Ojomoh, who earned 12 England caps between 1994 and 1998 but was unable to attend his son's debut in the summer. The younger Ojomoh, first called up to a senior squad by Eddie Jones back in 2021, has been praised by defence coach Richard Wigglesworth as an 'elite level attacker'.
The 'Billy No Mates' Preparation Strategy
Faced with limited preparation time, Ojomoh has devised a unique strategy to ensure he is ready for the Pumas. 'The lads won't see me. I will be in my room – Billy no mates,' he revealed.
His solitary preparation will involve watching other rugby matches and studying analysis clips requested from the team's analysts. 'I'm a bit of nerd when it comes to analysing the opposition,' Ojomoh admitted, emphasising his methodical approach to mental preparation for the biggest game of his career so far.
Swagger and Composure Under Pressure
Teammate Maro Itoje has noted Ojomoh's 'swagger' around the camp, backing the Test rookie to shine on the international stage. For Ojomoh, this perceived confidence is simply a byproduct of his composed approach to the game.
'I'm pretty comfortable in my own skin and I don't let emotion affect my performance,' he stated. 'It is a game of rugby, 15 on 15. I try and stay as level as possible.'
Drawing parallels with his Bath Premiership debut, Ojomoh expressed confidence that his patience and preparation will pay dividends. 'I felt like I took to it like a duck to water because I'd waited that long,' he recalled. 'I'm hoping it's the same here.'
Now that his long-awaited opportunity has arrived at the Allianz Stadium, the Bath centre insists it is time to deliver on the promise he has shown through years of training with both club and country.
