Reece Walsh Takes Center Stage as Ruthless Australia Sweep England Away in First Ashes Match

The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer 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 Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: 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).