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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical 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 motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defense for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).