🔗 Share this article

The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. 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 stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. England 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. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

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

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).