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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos 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 weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

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 home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).