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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward 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 definitely full of endeavour 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 Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.