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

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).