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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, 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 do-or-die match next weekend.

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

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.