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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation 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 reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Crichton shortly 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 stifle their drive.

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 Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot English defensive line 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 consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

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