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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively 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 calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts 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 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up 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 move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address 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.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).