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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors 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 1970.

England 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 advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The first came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score 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.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).