Walsh Shines as Dominant Australia Defeat England Away in First Ashes Test
The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the Ashes.
Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.
Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh
Led by an exceptional 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 the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.
They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances 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 wonderful interceptions.
Key Moments of the Match
The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.
Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.
If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.
That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.
Final Score and Outlook
By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.
- England: Full team lineup.
- Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
- Tries: Daryl Clark.
- Conversion: Lewis.
- Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
- Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
- Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
- Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).
