🔗 Share this article

England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations 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 Game

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt 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 backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: 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.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.