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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart 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 drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.