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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom 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 completed a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

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

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

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