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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. 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 no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

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