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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side 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 showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

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

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, 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 missed Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

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

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).