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

The England coach'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 key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

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 broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters 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 Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.