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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's late try, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).