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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 worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive 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 several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defense for his second try.

Match Result 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 finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach 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.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.