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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test 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 certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton shortly 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 momentum.

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 Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test 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.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).