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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward victory 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 over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).