🔗 Share this article

England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, 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 executed two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The first came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-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 Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.