🔗 Share this article

England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, 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 Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England 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 advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour 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 line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: 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.