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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

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

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

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

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, 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 added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

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