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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour 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 twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out 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 the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

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

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