Reece Walsh Shines as Dominant Australia Sweep The Hosts Aside in Opening Ashes Test

England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up 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 final minutes as Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see 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 do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.