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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

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

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: 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: Cleary 5.