🔗 Share this article Reece Walsh Shines as Ruthless The Kangaroos Defeat England Away in Opening Ashes Test The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes. The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000. Brilliant Display from Walsh Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Reece 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 Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s. England 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 advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions. Crucial Plays of the Match The initial came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move. Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the stroke of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive. Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score. That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defense 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 late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday. England: Full team lineup. Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken. Tries: Clark. Conversion: Lewis. Visitors: Starting lineup. Interchange: Reserves. Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2. Kicks: Cleary 5.