Reece Walsh Shines as Dominant Australia Sweep The Hosts Away in First Ashes Match

England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions 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 Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).