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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive 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 reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations 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 Game

The initial 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 half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts 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 half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).