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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series 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 historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, 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 initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton shortly 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 halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

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