Reece Walsh Shines as Dominant Australia Defeat England Away in Opening Ashes Test

England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.