Walsh Takes Center Stage as Ruthless The Kangaroos Defeat The Hosts Aside in Opening Ashes Test

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

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 key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. 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. Munster's half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach 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.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.