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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team 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 crucial moments, it was the world champions 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 Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.