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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

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. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession 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 large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. 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 firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).