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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

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

Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle 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 Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

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

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach 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: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

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