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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

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

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

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 the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.