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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured 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 drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, 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 Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

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