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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 worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their aspirations 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 several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

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

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

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