Borthwick Wants Toughness and Talent From Ojomoh
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England rugby's head coach Steve Borthwick has challenged young player Max Ojomoh to improve his game.
Borthwick says Ojomoh has special talent, sometimes called 'stardust' because of its rare and exciting quality.
However, the coach wants Ojomoh to combine this talent with more physicality and toughness.
Ojomoh plays in England's backline, the group of players responsible for creative attacking play.
Borthwick believes that skill alone is not enough at the highest level of rugby.
He thinks players must also be strong and hard to stop during matches.
This message suggests Borthwick sees great potential in Ojomoh, but also areas for growth.
The coach's comments show how important balance is in modern rugby.
Teams need players who can both create exciting moments and survive tough physical battles.
Borthwick's challenge to Ojomoh reflects the demands of international-level rugby.
Fans will be watching to see how Ojomoh responds to this advice from his coach.
If he combines talent with toughness, he could become a key player for England's future.
Vocabulary6 words
- head coach
- the main leader of a sports team
- talent
- a natural skill; being very good at something
- physicality
- strong, hard play using the body
- toughness
- being strong and hard to beat
- backline
- a group of players who run and pass the ball
- balance
- having two good things together in the right amount
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Quiz
Answer key
1. Physicality and toughness 2. Stardust 3. False
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
England rugby's _____ Steve Borthwick has challenged young player Max Ojomoh to improve his game.
Borthwick says Ojomoh has special _____, sometimes called 'stardust'.
The coach wants Ojomoh to combine this talent with more _____ and toughness.
Ojomoh plays in England's _____, the group responsible for creative attacking play.
Borthwick believes that skill alone is not enough at the highest level.
He thinks players must also be strong and hard to _____ during matches.
This message suggests Borthwick sees great _____ in Ojomoh.
The coach's comments show how important _____ is in modern rugby.
Teams need players who can create moments and survive physical _____.
Discussion questions
- Why might a coach want a player to be both talented and tough?
- Do you think natural talent or hard physical play is more important in sport? Why?
- What challenges do young players often face when joining a national team?
- How can a coach help a player improve both skill and strength?
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