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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through 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 breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

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

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