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

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors 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 aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England 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 promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

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

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: 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.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).