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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus 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.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Jack 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 tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.