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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

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

Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try 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 drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron 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 added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

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