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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory 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 home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus 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.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

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

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

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

• Visitors: 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).