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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through 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 move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

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

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.