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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd 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 Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

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

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another scintillating move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.