The term 'Ashes' comes from the game of Cricket and was carried over to Rugby League. There has to be at least three matches for the term to be used. In typical RL fashion, the Ashes series has been a bit haphazard. It's been over twenty years since the last series was held.
The first Ashes Tour was in 1908/09, which England won 2-1. The series had been won 20 to 19 in Australia's favour going into this series. England dominated the earlier part of its being contested, then Australia returning the favour in more recent times.
On to 2025 where Australia never dominated but were able to do enough to win. The scorelines may suggest otherwise but England fought hard and made the tourists work hard for their 3-0 series whitewash.
England could have even won the series but for one telling reason. Failing to turn effort and field position into points. Averaging six points per match is never going to win you anything. Huffing and puffing only gets you so far.
Australia will accept they weren't at their best in the series but with stoic defence and enough attacking skill to do the business. The last score on particular of 30-8 was flattering to the winner, yet it summed up the series succinctly.
I'm not into bagging coaches but I will make an exception here. England's Shaun Wane is full of passion but he is deficient in decision making. Surely his tenure is over and England will be the better for it. I don't particularly rate the Australian coach either but the players are good enough to do the business anyway. England are not good enough to do the same.
Highlights of the third match is below.
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