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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Final Score 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 being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

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