🔗 Share this article

England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts 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 interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Angus 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 Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: 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.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.