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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 worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

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

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart 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 momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by 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 Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.