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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

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 Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).