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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

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

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the stroke of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).