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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt 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 half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot English defense for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).