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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball 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 no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.