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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, 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 executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up 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 final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

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

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