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

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of 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 United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match 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 the 1970s.

They 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 promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.