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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-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 further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).