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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's late try, 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 match next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).