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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward victory 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 certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions 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 Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).