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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defense for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).