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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on 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 team had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour 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 over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations 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 several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The first came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

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

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 visibly shot English defense for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, 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 must-win match next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).