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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. 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. The hosts now had to score three times 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 Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.