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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team 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.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through 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 attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: 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).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).