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As far as autumn statements go, Rachel Reeves could learn some lessons from Steve Borthwick’s rugby team. England’s steady operators secured their first November clean sweep since 2021 and the forecasts are bright.
With George Ford drop goals stealthier than a tax raid and positive Q4 returns from the Pom Squad, England have delivered results. This victory over Argentina will take them into 2026 on a run of 11 consecutive victories.
As Max Ojomoh strutted around the pitch with his man-of-the-match champagne, it was little surprise to hear Maro Itoje talking of his satisfaction over the stadium microphone.
On this evidence, England are tracking as the third best team in the world. For a side whose minimum requirement was to finish the campaign in the top six for the World Cup draw, they have surpassed expectations.
South Africa have terrifying depth and are the undisputed force in the global game. France have the best player in the world returning next year in Antoine Dupont and will go into the Six Nations as favourites.
Rassie Erasmus and Fabien Galthie’s squads are the best in world rugby but England have moved to the top of the chasing pack.
George Ford's kicking was exemplary again against Argentina and remains a key weapon
Max Ojomoh took his chance at Twickenham and deserved his man-of-the-match award
They are well-oiled, with a clear plan to maximise their strengths. Few teams in world rugby can live with the aerial prowess of Tommy Freeman, Tom Roebuck and Freddie Steward. Here, they secured the win without some of their sharpest weapons.
One of the biggest debates in England selection remains around their midfield. There is not one combination that stands head-and-shoulders above the rest. They are still searching their undisputed double act. A pairing who go together like Damian De Allende with Jesse Kriel or Bundee Aki with Garry Ringrose.
Gloucester’s Seb Atkinson will come into the conversation when he recovers from injury. Benhard Janse van Rensburg could also be a solution if World Rugby approve his eligibility switch from South Africa to England in the New Year.
Fraser Dingwall has had mixed moments this autumn and Ojomoh was given his opportunity in the final outing of the year. The Bath centre swaggered on to the Twickenham turf and seized his moment. He showed a triple threat in attack, using his kick, run and pass ability to break the Argentinian defence.
After George Ford opened the scoring with a trademark drop goal, Ojomoh nailed down the first try of the day. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso chased Ben Spencer’s box kick and Ojomoh was on hand to pick up the scraps, gathering the loose ball to score from 40 metres.
The South Americans looked weary in the first-half. They looked like a team who have spent too much time in planes and hotels; fumbling balls, missing kicks and trudging out of scrums. It is a shame they took so long to get going.
Under Borthwick, England have become cute to exploiting the laws. Hookers have been getting away with wonky lineouts, knowing they will not be penalised if the opposition do not contest. Here, England almost threw up Maro Itoje as a token gesture, stealing a couple of cheap scrums as a result.
With 16 minutes on the clock, attacking from a set-piece, Ojomoh stepped up. Ford switched play and Ojomoh guided a perfect crossfield kick into the try-scoring tracks of Feyi-Waboso.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso scored England's second try after a cross-field kick by Ojomoh
Both 10s missed shots at goal and Argentina settled for just three points from the boot of Tomas Albornoz in the first-half. England were coasting but Luke Cowan-Dickie’s fumble meant they failed to score a third try before half time.
Q3 was not so good for the hosts. English discipline slipped, conceding five penalties to one. Powerful centre Justo Piccardo scored a try and Alobornoz kicked a couple of penalties after Elliot Daly dropped a high ball. There were signs of rust from Daly on his first outing since July and the debate will rumble on about whether he adds more versatility to the matchday 23 than Marcus Smith.
The English attack stuttered, kicking away possession and fumbling possession. Ford missed a drop goal but Ojomoh, on the pitch where his father Steve used to wear the England jersey, pulled off an offload from the deck for a Henry Slade try.
On the walk into the stadium, merchandisers were cashing in on Henry Pollock scarves. The sight of his bleached hair arriving in the second half has become a popular sight in these parts and he won a turnover to kill off an Argentinian attack.
Ford’s late penalty provided some breathing space but there was almost a late twist to England’s campaign. Rodrigo Isgro scored in the 80th minute and the Pumas launched one final attack, rumbling through more than 20 phases. Previous England teams may have folded, but their defence clung on, wining a firm vote of confidence from the 80,000 in the crowd.
