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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the home team 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.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack 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 weary and visibly shot England defense for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

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

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