🔗 Share this article

England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive 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 reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph 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 possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

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

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

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 Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

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