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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test 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. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.