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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners 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 aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for 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 momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).