Walsh Takes Center Stage as Dominant The Kangaroos Defeat The Hosts Aside in First Ashes Test

The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK 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 victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.