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

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a series victory 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 turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer 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.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).