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

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions 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 superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

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

Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach 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: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.