Reece Walsh Takes Center Stage as Ruthless Australia Defeat England Aside in Opening Ashes Test
England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.
Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.
Outstanding Display from Walsh
Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.
They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.
Crucial Plays of the Match
The first came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.
Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.
If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.
That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.
Final Score and Looking Ahead
By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.
- England: Full team lineup.
- Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
- Tries: Clark.
- Goal: Mikey Lewis.
- Australia: Starting lineup.
- Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
- Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
- Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).
