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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday 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 achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus 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 drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

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

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

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