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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable 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 aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

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

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England 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 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

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