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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes 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 calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved 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 unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour 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. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

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

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, 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.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

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