Walsh Takes Center Stage as Ruthless Australia Defeat England Away in First Ashes Test
England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.
Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.
Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh
Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.
They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations 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 Game
The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.
Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.
If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.
That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.
Final Score and Outlook
By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.
- Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
- Interchange: Bench players.
- Try: Daryl Clark.
- Goal: Mikey Lewis.
- Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
- Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
- Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
- Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).