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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

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