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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team 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 key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating attack, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

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

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

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