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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.