🔗 Share this article

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

The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom 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 wonderful move.

Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.