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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

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

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.