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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, 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 executed two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defense 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 consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

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