Walsh Takes Center Stage as Dominant The Kangaroos Defeat England Aside in First Ashes Test
England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.
The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.
Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh
Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.
They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the home team 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 superb turnovers.
Crucial Plays of the Game
The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.
Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.
Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.
That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.
Final Score and Looking Ahead
By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.
- England: Full team lineup.
- Substitutes: Bench players.
- Tries: Daryl Clark.
- Goal: Mikey Lewis.
- Australia: 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: Cleary 5.
