🔗 Share this article

England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed 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 outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors 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 aspirations 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 multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early 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 answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).