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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished 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 talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, 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 pulled off two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

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