Walsh Takes Center Stage as Dominant Australia Defeat England Away in Opening Ashes Test
The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured 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 certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.
Brilliant Performance from Walsh
Led by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star 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 1970.
They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.
Key Moments of the Match
The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.
Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.
If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through 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 visibly shot English 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 consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.
- England: Full team lineup.
- Substitutes: Bench players.
- Tries: Clark.
- Conversion: Mikey Lewis.
- Visitors: Starting lineup.
- Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
- Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
- Kicks: Cleary 5.
