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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness 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 outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the hosts 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 executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

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