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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations 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 multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

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

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).