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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball 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 tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

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

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• 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.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.