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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory 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 world champions who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They 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 points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

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

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).