The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.
Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort 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 Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.
Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.
They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.
The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined 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 Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.
Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.
If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.
That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.
By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.
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