Walsh Takes Center Stage as Ruthless Australia Defeat England Away in Opening Ashes Match
The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes.
Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.
Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh
Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.
They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.
Key Moments of the Match
The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.
Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.
Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past 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 scintillating move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.
Final Score and Outlook
By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.
- Home Side: Full team lineup.
- Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
- Try: Daryl Clark.
- Conversion: Mikey Lewis.
- Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
- Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
- Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
- Kicks: Cleary 5.
