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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort 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 UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better 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 unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie 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 Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

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

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-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 added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.