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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed certain 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 taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

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

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

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.