Reece Walsh Takes Center Stage as Ruthless Australia Defeat The Hosts Aside in First Ashes Match
England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured 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. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.
Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh
Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.
England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.
Crucial Plays of the Match
The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.
Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt 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 supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.
That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another scintillating move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.
Match Result and Looking Ahead
By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. 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.
- Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
- Tries: Daryl Clark.
- Conversion: Mikey Lewis.
- Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
- Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
- Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
- Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).