🔗 Share this article

England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. 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.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes 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 home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted English defense for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).