🔗 Share this article

The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, 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 more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times 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 backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.