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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match 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 certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

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 Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

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