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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

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

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus 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 momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported 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 Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

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