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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus 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 completed another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

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

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