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

The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron 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 Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

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

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.