Walsh Shines as Ruthless The Kangaroos Defeat England Aside in Opening Ashes Match
England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the Ashes.
Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.
Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh
Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.
They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.
Key Moments of the Match
The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.
Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts 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 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.
That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes 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, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.
- England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
- Substitutes: Bench players.
- Try: Clark.
- Conversion: Mikey Lewis.
- Visitors: Starting lineup.
- Bench: Reserves.
- Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
- Kicks: Cleary 5.
