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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

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

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped 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 stroke of the interval to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

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

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 Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented 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 weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).