Reece Walsh Shines as Ruthless Australia Defeat The Hosts Away in Opening Ashes Match

England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England 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 tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).