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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

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

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.