Walsh Shines as Ruthless The Kangaroos Defeat England Away in First Ashes Test
The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.
Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.
Outstanding Display from Walsh
Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.
England will have to be much better 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 unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.
Crucial Plays of the Match
The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.
Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart 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 momentum.
Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.
That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second.
Match Result and Looking Ahead
By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.
- Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
- Substitutes: Bench players.
- Tries: Daryl Clark.
- Conversion: Mikey Lewis.
- Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
- Interchange: Reserves.
- Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
- Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).
