England 6-26 Australia: Kangaroos triumph in first Rugby League Ashes match since 2003
After a bruising, difficult opening, Walsh’s try set the tone when debutant Mark Nawaqanitawase slid the ball left for the rampaging Brisbane Broncos full-backs to pass in style.
England were unhappy that scrum-half Mikey Lewis appeared to get stuck in the build-up and a forward pass also appeared to be in play – but the try was awarded following a review by video referee Jack Smith.
Smith partially redeemed himself for the Wembley crowd by disallowing a second Australian try before the break, and Dom Young was taken out as he dived to catch a high shot by Josh Addo-Carr.
Wane’s side initially responded well to George Williams’ defence-splitting and defence-shattering strikes, with Tom Johnstone’s green and gold defending behind them.
However, Nathan Cleary added a penalty on the last move of the first half to give Australia an 8-0 lead and they extended the lead just after the break.
Angus Crichton, who kept the home team under constant pressure after the restart, strode over to score by allowing full-back Jack Welsby to score from too deep and pass too easily.
Australia eased their way to victory by keeping England at bay in the first meeting between the sides since the 2017 World Cup final.
That success was secured with 15 minutes left when second-row Crichton again sliced through the defense for his second try, and further brilliance was added when Walsh’s superb drive down the left was completed the length of the field.
Daryl Clark struck for England in the dying minutes, but it was nothing more than a consolation.
One disadvantage for the visitors was that captain Isaah Yeo had to leave the game in the first half after failing an assessment for a head injury following a clash with Young. He will also miss the second Test at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool on Saturday (14:30 GMT).
There, England will continue their quest for a first win against Australia in three decades and try to salvage their first Ashes series victory in 55 years.
