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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to 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 certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. 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 large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty 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 finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.