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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win 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. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win 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 first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.