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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain 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 Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh finished another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).