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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor 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 winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

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

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).