The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.
Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.
Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.
They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.
The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.
Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.
If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.
That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.
By then, local supporters 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 the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.
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