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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a series victory 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 advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor 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 victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Final Score 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 being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.