Walsh Takes Center Stage as Dominant The Kangaroos Sweep The Hosts Aside in First Ashes Test

England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances 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 Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

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

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

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