🔗 Share this article

England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win 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 achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).