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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of 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 UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball 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 failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).