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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

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

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).