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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom 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.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption 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 drive.

Should there have been uncertainty 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 broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

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

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