Walsh Takes Center Stage as Ruthless Australia Sweep England Aside in First Ashes Test
The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.
Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.
Outstanding Display from Walsh
Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since 1970.
They will have to be significantly improved with the possession 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 points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.
Crucial Plays of the Game
The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.
Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.
If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.
That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.
Match Result and Outlook
By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.
- Home Side: Full team lineup.
- Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
- Tries: Daryl Clark.
- Goal: Lewis.
- Visitors: Starting lineup.
- Interchange: Reserves.
- Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
- Goals: Cleary 5.
