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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match 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. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display 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 England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address 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: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

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