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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

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 score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.