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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes 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 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 Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh completed another scintillating move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

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

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