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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, 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.

Outstanding 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 the hosts must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

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 advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.