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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive 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 showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).