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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot English defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).