Reece Walsh Shines as Dominant Australia Sweep The Hosts Away in Opening Ashes Test

England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh finished 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 did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach 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.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).