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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).