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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort 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 Performance from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).