Walsh Shines as Dominant The Kangaroos Defeat The Hosts Aside in Opening Ashes Test

England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

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

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Angus 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 Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

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

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

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