Walsh Takes Center Stage as Ruthless Australia Defeat England Away in First Ashes Match
The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.
The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.
Outstanding Performance from Walsh
Led by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.
They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.
Crucial Plays of the Game
The first came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.
Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.
Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.
That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second try.
Match Result and Looking Ahead
By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.
- England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
- Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
- Try: Daryl Clark.
- Goal: Mikey Lewis.
- Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
- Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
- Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
- Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).
