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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos 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 the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

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

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

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

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