🔗 Share this article Reece Walsh Takes Center Stage as Dominant The Kangaroos Defeat The Hosts Aside in First Ashes Match England's offensive weaknesses 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 Ashes. Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000. Brilliant Display from Walsh Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970. They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions. Crucial Plays of the Match The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move. Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon 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 stifle their drive. If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try. That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second. Final Score and Outlook By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday. England: Full team lineup. Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken. Tries: Clark. Goal: Lewis. Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo. Interchange: Reserves. Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two). Goals: Cleary 5.