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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward victory 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 definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They 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 promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

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 pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

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