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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions 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 Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl 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 do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).