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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts 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 significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. 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 Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

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 neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-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 final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

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