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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes 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 record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).