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

The England coach's team had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice 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. Cameron 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 further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).