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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star 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 sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton soon 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 halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).