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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable 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 first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The first came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. 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 Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

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

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