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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, 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 twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.