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

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of 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 Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).