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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, 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 executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

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

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