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The home side'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.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive 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 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 interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).