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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured 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 endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display 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 the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be much better 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 unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot English defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.