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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions 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 wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line 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 added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot English defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

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

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.