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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on 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 side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

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 hosts 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 interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

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

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).