Reece Walsh Shines as Dominant The Kangaroos Defeat The Hosts Aside in Opening Ashes Match
The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.
The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.
Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh
Guided by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.
They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions 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 Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.
Crucial Plays of the Match
The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.
Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.
If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.
That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.
Match Result and Looking Ahead
By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's late try, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.
- Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
- Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
- Try: Clark.
- Conversion: Mikey Lewis.
- Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
- Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
- Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
- Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).
