Rugby Ashes Live: Australia beats England in first Ashes Test after 22 years

A lot has changed in the 22 years since the last Ashes series but some things have remained the same. For more than two decades England have waited for this opportunity to test themselves against the world’s best and although there are two more matches to go in which Shaun Wynne’s side will be hoping to hit back, there can be no argument that Australia will be exactly the same.

It was in many ways an imperfect performance from the world champions Kangaroos and yet there is still a gulf between the two teams – if England are to win the Ashes for the first time since 1973, they will have to find a level further than what they were able to do here.

The long wait for an Ashes return is related to Australian ambivalence towards the international game and while this game crackled and faded with an intensity befitting a good occasion, it was perhaps not a major contest of the kind regularly seen during State of Origin series nor in the upper echelons of the NRL.

The crowd of 60,812 made a welcome return, but England struggled to make much of an impact on their opponent and failed to do so on the scoreboard until four minutes from time, disappointing those hoping for a home series success.

Read the full report from Harry Latham-Coyle at Wembley:

Double try scorer Angus Crichton spoke to BBC One afterwards and he believes there is still room for improvement for Australia.

“It’s exciting! It was good to be in front of a good crowd here at Wembley.

“We were really sad, but what I liked was our serious attitude. We worked hard for each other.

“I should have gotten more [tries] If I wasn’t headbutting the ball. It’s always good to cross the line.”

On visiting Hill Dickinson Stadium for the second Test next week: “They must be crazy. They must be something more evil than these guys.”

And there’s Hooters. England lost their first Ashes Test in 22 years as Australia completely dominated at Wembley.

Two tries each for the excellent Reece Walsh and Angus Crichton. England had chances but wasted them – they needed to be tighter in attack, although Daryl Clark scored a late consolation.

There will be much to consider ahead of the second Test at Everton next weekend

more than Harry Latham-Coyle at wembley

“There were already a large number of people heading for the exit, but some filing in stopped their charge to see if the fight escalated further.

“Tensions have calmed down, it appears that it is safe for fans to go – in fact, those left are more interested in the paper airplanes being tossed around the ground. A disappointing day for any England fan, one might suggest”

And there is success! England score a consolation! They have been deep into the Australian area in the last 10 minutes and now have a try.

Knowles runs it and then, from dummy half, darryl clarke He has a snipe, rides the tackle and moves forward for the try. England will have to prepare something for the second test.

England get a penalty for giving the ball out and this is their last chance to try.

I fear we have now entered defeated territory. reece walsh With his second attempt and Australia’s fourth attempt.

This is absolutely ruthlessly efficient on the part of the Kangaroos. The spine of his team combine for a clinical try – Grant to Cleary to Walsh and the full back glides over the line.

The Australian full back has been tremendous today. Cleary again clean off the tee

Harry Latham-Coyle Today’s attendance at Wembley has been discussed.

“Here at Wembley there was an official crowd of 60,812 – the top tier is completely empty and there are a few scattered empty seats around the place, which perhaps makes it feel a bit generous. By comparison, the Challenge Cup final here this year drew a crowd of 63,278.

“Still, there’s no ignoring a city that hasn’t always been enthusiastic about the game – although the relaunched London Broncos are trying to change that under the leadership of Kangaroo legend Darren Lockyer.”

Australia awarded a penalty to England for lack of balance and control, which they challenged but it was inconclusive so the decision stood.

A set of six in Australia 10. Needing to score this time… Pierce-Paul drifts to the right but there’s no hole in the green and gold line.

Williams went inside Farnsworth but the door was closed again. Final tackle and England score! No, they don’t!

Williams passed the ball from the tackle to Lewis and he advanced to dot down for the try, but the referee ruled that the tackle had been completed. To fill the stomach. Australia survived.

Game, Set & Match Australia. Its Angus Crichton Again as he gets his second attempt.

But cameron munster Is an architect. Nice flat pass by Cleary to Munster, who throws out a hard dummy and lays a pass to Crichton on the charge, who runs a great line between the defenders and cruises over the line. Cute game.

The conversion is added and England are on the receiving end here.