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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl 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 weekend.

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

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