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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the stroke of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt 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 supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.