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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort 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.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 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 winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot English defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.