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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better 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 failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: 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: Cleary 5.