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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach'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 composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus 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 halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line 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 added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: 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).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).