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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of the interval to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.