Walsh Shines as Ruthless The Kangaroos Defeat The Hosts Away in First Ashes Match
The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.
The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.
Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh
Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.
They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.
Key Moments of the Game
The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.
Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.
If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.
That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.
Final Score and Looking Ahead
By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.
- England: Full team lineup.
- Interchange: Bench players.
- Tries: Daryl Clark.
- Goal: Mikey Lewis.
- Visitors: Starting lineup.
- Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
- Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
- Kicks: Cleary 5.