Reece Walsh Takes Center Stage as Dominant The Kangaroos Sweep The Hosts Aside in Opening Ashes Test

The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).