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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

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

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).