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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. 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 Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.