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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable 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 definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. 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 firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.