🔗 Share this article

The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

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

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).