🔗 Share this article

England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, 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 turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test 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: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: 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).
• Goals: Cleary 5.