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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 win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos 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 aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

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

• Australia: 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).
• Goals: Cleary 5.