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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved 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 superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line 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 added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane 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.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).