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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors secured 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 first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, 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 pulled off two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.