England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.
Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed 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 Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.
They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.
Crucial Plays of the Game
The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.
Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.
Should there have been uncertainty 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 Australia’s third try.
That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second try.
Final Score and Looking Ahead
By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer 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.
- Substitutes: Bench players.
- Tries: Clark.
- Conversion: Mikey Lewis.
- Visitors: Starting lineup.
- Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
- Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
- Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).
