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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, 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 momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by 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 Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).