Reece Walsh Shines as Ruthless The Kangaroos Sweep England Aside in First Ashes Test

England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved 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 unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 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 winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through 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, exploiting a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).