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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium 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 achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.