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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. 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 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 Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh completed another scintillating move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

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