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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

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

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