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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win 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 home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted English defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.