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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.