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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’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 crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos 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 sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

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

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second try.

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 the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

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

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