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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as 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 Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. 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 Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

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