Reece Walsh Shines as Dominant Australia Defeat England Away in First Ashes Test
England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test 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 definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.
Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh
Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.
England 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 tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.
Key Moments of the Game
The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.
Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.
If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.
That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.
Final Score and Outlook
By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.
- Home Side: Full team lineup.
- Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
- Tries: Clark.
- Conversion: Lewis.
- Visitors: 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).
