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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, 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 Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as half-time 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 half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Crichton shortly 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 momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.