Walsh Takes Center Stage as Ruthless The Kangaroos Sweep England Aside in Opening Ashes Test

England'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.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

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

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

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

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