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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations 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 promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

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

Match Result and Outlook

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

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).