Reece Walsh Shines as Ruthless Australia Sweep England Away in Opening Ashes Test

The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England 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 being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.