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

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.