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

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. However, in the key instances, 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 Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).