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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

They 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 tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The first came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor 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 firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Final Score 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 plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).