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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

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

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.