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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

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 Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.