Walsh Shines as Ruthless The Kangaroos Sweep The Hosts Aside in Opening Ashes Match

England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, 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 United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

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

If there were any doubt 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 pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.