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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. 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 firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

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

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).