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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try 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.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.