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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, 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.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

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

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second try.

Match Result 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 England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.