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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, 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 superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past 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 finished another scintillating move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test 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: Nathan Cleary (five).