Walsh Takes Center Stage as Ruthless The Kangaroos Defeat England Aside in Opening Ashes Match
England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.
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 the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.
Brilliant Performance from Walsh
Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.
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 home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.
Crucial Plays of the Game
The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.
Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.
If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.
That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.
Final Score and Outlook
By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.
- Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
- Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
- Try: Daryl Clark.
- Conversion: Mikey Lewis.
- Visitors: Starting lineup.
- Interchange: Reserves.
- Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
- Goals: Cleary 5.
