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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

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

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

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