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

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

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

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.