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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.