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The home side's offensive weaknesses 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 spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

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

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour 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 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

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