Articles by Emma Smith

Technology

England 6-26 Australia: Kangaroos triumph in first Rugby League Ashes match since 2003

Twenty-two years later, same story. Australia picked up where they left off in their domination of the rugby league Ashes. After a tense opening 20 minutes of the first series since 2003, the Kangaroos opened the scoring against England with their first flowing move of the contest. Debutant Mark Nawaqanitawase shifted the ball left for rampaging full-back Reece Walsh to go over in style. England were unhappy as scrum-half Mikey Lewis appeared to be tripped in the build-up, and there looked to be a forward pass too - but the try was given following a review by video referee Jack Smith. Smith partly redeemed himself to the Wembley crowd by disallowing a second Australia try before the break as Dom Young was taken out by Josh Addo-Carr as he jumped to catch a high kick. Shaun Wane's side initially responded well to conceding and defence-splitting grubber kicks from George Williams and Tom Johnstone had the green and gold defence on their heels. But Cleary added a penalty with the last action of the first half to put Australia 8-0 up - and they extended the lead straight after the interval. After putting the hosts under constant pressure from the restart, Angus Crichton strode through to score with full-back Jack Welsby too deep and allowing him to go through far too easily. Australia kept England at arm's length thereafter, easing their way to victory in the first meeting between the sides since the 2017 World Cup final. That success was secured with 15 minutes remaining as second row Crichton scythed through the defence again, and more gloss was added when a superb field-length move down the left was finished by the impressive Walsh. Daryl Clark barged over in the final minutes for England, but it was no more than a consolation. A downside for the visitors was that captain Issah Yeo was forced off in the first half after failing a head injury assessment following a clash with Young. He will also miss the second test next week at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool. More to follow.

Technology

England aim to avoid late loss pain in Ashes opener

England's failure to join Australia in the World Cup final in 2022 ago means this is their first meeting for eight years. That was in the 2017 World Cup final, which they lost 6-0 to the Kangaroos in Brisbane. They have not faced Australia on home soil since a 36-18 loss at London Stadium in November 2016, with the planned Ashes series in 2020 cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic. Five years later, this long-awaited series has arrived, and the current generation can experience one of the most hotly contested tests in rugby league. "Last time there was an Ashes I was eight - I know I look older but I'm only 30," said Australian captain Isaah Yeo. "You look back on how passionate the players were, the way former players speak about the tours and how much it meant to them, 30 or 40 years ago. "You want the Australia squad of 2025 to look back on it in 30 years' time and think about how wonderful it was to be an Australian player." Australia are the reigning world champions, the number one ranked international side and heavy favourites for the Ashes. But their preparations have not been totally smooth, with coach Mal Meninga stepping down in June to take over at National Rugby League side Perth Bears. Kevin Walters has stepped into the role for this series and denied that it is any sort of experiment regarding who should lead Australia at their home World Cup in 2026. "It's not so much an audition for the World Cup, as it is prime time," Walters said. "When I got the job, I rang a few of the players because there is noise around Australia about international rugby and where it sits on the calendar. They were very excited by it all. "We have really skipped a generation of English and Australian players in these sorts of games and series; it could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance for these players and staff. It is a unique experience, and if you are in the world of rugby league, this is where you want to be. "For me, the last few months have been about making connections with the players and staff. On a three-week tour, we need to come together quickly. We have great players, but if we are not as one, it could be not so good for us. My job is to get the players connected and focused."