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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners 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 first Ashes win since 1970.

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

Key Moments of the Match

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

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour 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 victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by 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 Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).