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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, 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.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

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

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

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

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans 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 answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

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