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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted English defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).