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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating attack, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

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. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.