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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation 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 showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts 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 ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

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

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Angus 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 breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.