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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

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

Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time 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 favour 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 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 Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

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

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: 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: Cleary 5.