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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

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

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up 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 Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).