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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain 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 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 Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. 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 backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).