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

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The first came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past 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 breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early 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 answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

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

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