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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved 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 points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past 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, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions 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.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.