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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes 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 showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

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 stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

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

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).