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

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of 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 Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their hopes 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 home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).