🔗 Share this article

England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win 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 failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments 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 the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted English defense for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).