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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward 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 first Ashes 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 calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

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