The scoreline alone offers concrete evidence of how underwhelming England were against Australia in the first Ashes Test on Saturday, but if anyone needed further proof, a glimpse around the Wembley crowd was somewhat telling, too.
As a one-sided contest ebbed towards a predictable conclusion, there were cheers among those sitting near the press box. Not for an England try, but for a paper aeroplane crafted by a home supporter that had successfully made its way from the top of one tier on to the pitch. It was about the only thing that went right for those of an English persuasion.
For London-born Kai Pearce-Paul, the feeling of frustration was even greater. “It was an amazing week and event to be a part of, but the reality is that we didn’t play to how we practised,” he said. “It wasn’t good enough; let’s not pretend anything otherwise. But this isn’t done. It’s game one and, while we weren’t up to the standard required, we’ll go again.”
England will have to go again, and they will have to up their levels significantly in the next Test. Saturday was perceived to be the hosts’ best shot of victory with the feeling that they could catch the Australians cold in the opening match. Ominously, the Kangaroos have had their loosener now and there is little doubt they will be even better at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The harsh reality is that the tourists never really got out of second gear on Saturday.
Throw in the prospect of a referee from Australia’s National Rugby League taking charge – meaning faster rucks, something the tourists are used to – and it all points to a tall order for England in the second Test. Wane has to respond and he has to make some difficult decisions.
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