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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

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

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, 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 did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).