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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts 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 backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

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

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

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