Walsh Shines as Dominant Australia Defeat The Hosts Aside in First Ashes Test
England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.
Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation 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 world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.
Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh
Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.
They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.
Key Moments of the Game
The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.
Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor 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 decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.
That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted English defense for his second.
Match Result and Outlook
By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer 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: Lewis.
- Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
- Bench: Reserves.
- Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
- Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).
