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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England 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 advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor 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 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-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 final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters 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 answer 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.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.